New Hampshire Teaching Salaries and Benefits
New Hampshire teachers earn a median annual salary of $72,410 for elementary grades and $77,060 for secondary, according to May 2025 BLS data, with job growth projected across all grade levels through 2034. Public teachers also qualify for a defined-benefit pension through the New Hampshire Retirement System and state-sponsored health and dental coverage.
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New Hampshire pays its teachers competitively by grade level and backs that pay with a pension plan and state-sponsored health coverage that many private-sector jobs don’t match. The state’s median salaries vary by grade band, and the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) determines how those years of service translate into a lifetime monthly benefit at retirement.
Learn more about becoming a teacher. Contact schools offering teacher education and certification programs in New Hampshire. If you’re already certified in another state, check the New Hampshire teacher certification requirements for out-of-state candidates.
New Hampshire Teacher Salaries by Grade Level
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers in New Hampshire earned a median annual salary of $72,410 as of May 2025, while secondary school teachers earned $77,060. Kindergarten teachers earned a median of $60,240, and middle school teachers earned $71,140. Job growth projections through 2034 show gains across every grade level in the state, a contrast to the slight national decline the BLS projects for these same occupations.
| Grade Level | Median Annual Wage | NH Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | $60,240 | 3.4% |
| Elementary School Teachers | $72,410 | 3.5% |
| Middle School Teachers | $71,140 | 3.5% |
| Secondary School Teachers | $77,060 | 3.7% |
Pay in any district also depends on years of experience and education level. Districts across the state, including Chichester School District, publish local salary schedules that show step increases for teachers who earn a master’s degree and add years of service, on top of the statewide averages above.
New Hampshire Teacher Retirement Benefits
Teachers employed by participating New Hampshire public school employers are generally enrolled in the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) as a condition of employment. NHRS is a contributory defined-benefit plan that pays a lifetime pension to members and their beneficiaries at retirement, disability, or death.
Teachers contribute 7% of salary to the plan, and employers contribute an additional 10.08% as of the current plan year, though employer contribution rates are set by NHRS and may change over time based on actuarial valuations. Those contributions fund the plan but don’t directly determine the payout. Instead, NHRS calculates the monthly annuity using final average compensation and years of service:
Final Average Compensation divided by 66, multiplied by Years of Service.
A teacher with a final average compensation of $63,000 and 30 years of service would receive an annual pension of $28,636, or $2,386 a month. For teachers who first became Group I members on or after July 1, 2011, normal retirement is generally age 65. Earlier hires are subject to different retirement eligibility rules. Teachers who leave before reaching normal retirement age may qualify for early retirement, disability retirement, or deferred retirement instead, each with its own eligibility rules.
For a full breakdown of retirement options, contact the New Hampshire Retirement System directly, since benefit calculations depend on individual service records.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits for New Hampshire Teachers
Health insurance offerings vary by school district or employer, since New Hampshire doesn’t run all districts through one uniform statewide plan. Many public school teachers participate in employer-sponsored medical plans, often with a choice between HMO (health maintenance organization) and POS (point of service) options, letting teachers and their families pick coverage that fits their needs. Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan and district, and coverage typically includes a core set of services:
- Preventative care
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescription drugs
- Outpatient surgery
- Emergency care
- Maternity care
Many districts also offer a separate dental plan through Northeast Delta Dental, covering:
- Cleanings
- Preventative care
- X-rays
- Diagnostics
Beyond medical and dental coverage, many New Hampshire public teachers can access flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and employee wellness programs, depending on their district’s benefits package. Contact the New Hampshire Human Resources Division for current plan details and enrollment windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average teacher salary in New Hampshire?
Median annual salaries range from $60,240 for kindergarten teachers to $77,060 for secondary teachers, according to May 2025 BLS data. Actual pay depends on district, years of experience, and education level, since most districts use step-and-lane salary schedules.
How does the New Hampshire Retirement System calculate teacher pensions?
NHRS divides a teacher’s final average compensation by 66, then multiplies that figure by years of service, to reach the annual pension amount. Teachers contribute 7% of salary throughout their careers, and employers contribute an additional 10.08% as of the current plan year, though that rate can change with future actuarial valuations.
What health insurance options do New Hampshire teachers have?
Health insurance varies by district, since New Hampshire doesn’t use one uniform statewide plan. Many public school teachers can choose between HMO and POS medical plans, and many districts also offer a separate dental plan through Northeast Delta Dental. Coverage typically includes preventative care, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, and emergency care.
Is teacher employment growing in New Hampshire?
Yes. State job growth projections through 2034 show gains for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary teachers, in contrast to the slight national decline the BLS projects for these same occupations.
When can a New Hampshire teacher retire with full NHRS benefits?
For teachers who first became Group I members on or after July 1, 2011, normal retirement is generally age 65. Earlier hires are subject to different retirement eligibility rules. Teachers who leave before reaching normal retirement age may qualify for early retirement, disability retirement, or deferred retirement instead.
- Salaries vary by grade level — median annual pay ranges from $60,240 for kindergarten teachers to $77,060 for secondary teachers, according to May 2025 BLS data.
- NHRS provides a lifetime pension — the formula divides final average compensation by 66, then multiplies by years of service, funded by a 7% employee contribution and an employer contribution currently set at 10.08%.
- Normal retirement is generally age 65 for newer members — that applies to teachers who first became Group I members on or after July 1, 2011; earlier hires follow different eligibility rules, and early or deferred retirement options exist for those who leave sooner.
- Health coverage typically includes HMO and POS options — plus a dental plan through Northeast Delta Dental in many districts, though offerings vary by employer.
- New Hampshire’s teacher job market is growing — state projections show gains through 2034 across every grade level, unlike the slight national decline BLS projects overall.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in New Hampshire, including application requirements and licensing timelines for your certification path.
May 2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS wage estimates and 2024-2034 employment projections for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, and High School Teachers, reflect state and national data, not school-specific outcomes. State or district job-growth projections are sourced separately from national BLS outlook data. Conditions vary by school sector, subject area, and district. Data accessed July 2026.
