EducationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level K-12 Teacher Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$55,274/yr
Typical range: $52,113 – $59,571
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
K-12 Teacher salary by experience level in Chicago
K-12 Teacher Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $55,274 | $4,606 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $62,184 | $5,182 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $66,790 | $5,566 | +21% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $71,304 | $5,942 | +29% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $80,148 | $6,679 | +45% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $86,781 | $7,232 | +57% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $88,439 | $7,370 | +60% |
Current Salary
$55,274
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $27/hr
Next Level Target
$62,184
Junior · 2
+$7Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level K-12 Teacher salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level K-12 Teachers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $55K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level K-12 Teacher make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $55K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $27/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior K-12 Teacher in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior K-12 Teacher in Chicago, IL earns $80K–$92K/yr.