Psychology Teacher Salary in 2026
How Much Do Psychology Teachers Make?
Psychology Teachers earn a median annual salary of $80,330 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $47,870 at the 10th percentile to $158,900 at the 90th percentile — a range of $111,030. The highest-paying state is California at $106,470.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,870 |
| 25th percentile | $62,290 |
| Median (50th) | $80,330 |
| 75th percentile | $106,640 |
| 90th percentile | $158,900 |
Psychology Teacher Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $106,470 |
| North Dakota | $100,340 |
| Maryland | $99,740 |
| New York | $98,630 |
| Connecticut | $98,390 |
| Oregon | $96,330 |
| Rhode Island | $90,820 |
| Michigan | $89,550 |
| New Jersey | $85,590 |
| New Hampshire | $84,540 |
| Texas | $81,880 |
| Louisiana | $81,640 |
| Delaware | $81,530 |
| Utah | $81,370 |
| Vermont | $81,140 |
| Minnesota | $80,760 |
| Virginia | $80,750 |
| Massachusetts | $80,300 |
| New Mexico | $80,260 |
| Nevada | $80,230 |
| Nebraska | $80,130 |
| Montana | $79,370 |
| Kansas | $79,240 |
| Indiana | $77,310 |
| Washington | $77,250 |
| Florida | $76,910 |
| Colorado | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $76,640 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,490 |
| Arizona | $76,460 |
| District of Columbia | $76,450 |
| Missouri | $76,400 |
| Alabama | $76,300 |
| Alaska | $75,820 |
| Iowa | $75,540 |
| Illinois | $75,350 |
| Idaho | $75,320 |
| Ohio | $75,300 |
| Maine | $75,060 |
| South Carolina | $74,510 |
| North Carolina | $74,190 |
| West Virginia | $73,390 |
| Tennessee | $73,360 |
| Kentucky | $72,380 |
| Wisconsin | $68,430 |
| Mississippi | $64,580 |
| Wyoming | $64,370 |
| Arkansas | $62,880 |
| South Dakota | $62,400 |
| Oklahoma | $60,870 |
| Hawaii | $49,850 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Psychology Teachers
Psychology Teacher Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$47,870 – $62,290 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$80,330 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$106,640 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $158,900+ |
How to Earn More as a Psychology Teacher
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Psychology Teachers in Ann Arbor, MI earn $137,070 — $56,740 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($106,640) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Psychology Teacher Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Psychology Teacherthis career | $80,330 |
| School Psychologist | $86,930 |
| Mathematical Science Teacher | $79,350 |
| Biological Science Teacher | $83,460 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teacher | $95,770 |
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SOC: 25-1066.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.