K-12 Teacher Salary in Chicago, IL
K-12 Teacher salaries in Chicago range from $45,600 to $108,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $69,000, which is 20% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$45,600 – $57,600
Median: $51,600 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$60,000 – $78,000
Median: $69,000 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$81,600 – $108,000
Median: $94,800 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated K-12 Teacher Salary in Chicago, IL
Estimated†$70,800–$93,000/year
Median: $81,900 per year (adjusted for Chicago cost of living)
Junior
$51,600
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$69,000
3-5 yrs
Senior
$94,800
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Chicago
Cost of Living Levelhigh
Population2.7M
Top IndustriesFinance & Trading, Technology, Manufacturing
vs National Average+20%
Top Employers in Chicago
BoeingUnited AirlinesAbbott LaboratoriesSalesforceMcDonald's Corporation
How Chicago Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $69,000 | high |
| New York, NY | $83,375 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $83,375 | very high |
| Houston, TX | $57,500 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $57,500 | moderate |
| Philadelphia, PA | $69,000 | high |