The salary range for an educator with teaching certification in Ohio will likely vary based on district, level of education, and years of experience. For instance, teachers with master’s degrees can earn an additional $5,000 a year or more than teachers with bachelor’s degrees who are adhering to minimum teaching requirements in Ohio. Likewise, those living in larger, metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living will likely earn more than educators who reside in smaller towns. An education student interested in becoming a teacher in Ohio may also boost their pay by earning endorsements in high-paying disciplines such as special education and early childhood education.
The average salary for an Ohio certified teacher is slightly lower than the national average in most disciplines, with elementary school teachers earning slightly more than others in the field. The following table illustrates the comparison using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Occupation | Annual mean wage in Ohio | Annual mean wage in US |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,900 | $86,620 |
| Physics Teachers Postsecondary | $87,200 | $86,730 |
| Psychology Teachers Postsecondary | $70,500 | $74,890 |
| Education Teachers Postsecondary | $63,720 | $65,050 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,510 | $68,760 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | $23,870 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $52,060 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $56,400 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $54,560 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $55,270 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School | $53,550 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $52,080 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $56,590 | $59,080 |
The table below additionally highlights the difference in median salaries among residents of Ohio’s three largest metropolitan areas, with the highest salary going to residents of Columbus, which is the city with the largest population.
| City | Annual mean wage | Cincinnati-Middletown, OH | $46,800 |
| Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH | $51,760 |
| Columbus, OH | $52,630 |
Helpful Resources
- Ohio Education Association – Salary data by school district for the state of Ohio
- Elementary School Teacher Payscale – Salary by degree
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Annual wages for education, training, and library occupations