Ohio Teacher Salaries and Benefits
Ohio teacher salaries range from a median of $72,570 for kindergarten teachers to $78,800 for high school teachers, according to May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Beyond salary, the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio provides a pension, and teachers get health and dental coverage through their district or the state, depending on their employer.
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Teachers in Ohio earned a median annual salary of $77,370 as of May 2025 for elementary school positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That figure climbs to $78,800 for high school teachers. Pay is only part of the picture. Every teacher in the state becomes a member of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS Ohio), which replaces Social Security with a pension, and teachers get health and dental coverage through their district, with a separate plan available to State of Ohio government employees. Here’s what Ohio salaries look like by grade level, how the STRS pension works, and what benefits come with the job. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may also want to consider an alternative path into teaching before weighing salary against a full traditional program.
Learn more about becoming a teacher. Contact schools offering teacher education/certification programs in Ohio.
Ohio Teacher Salaries by Grade Level
Salary in Ohio varies by grade level and by district, but BLS wage data gives a reliable baseline for what teachers actually earn statewide. The table below shows median, 75th percentile, and 90th percentile annual wages for the core K-12 teaching categories.
| Occupation | Median Annual | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | $72,570 | $82,080 | $97,880 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $77,370 | $82,720 | $99,210 |
| Middle School Teachers | $77,090 | $93,520 | $101,940 |
| High School Teachers | $78,800 | $97,520 | $103,150 |
Middle and high school teachers post the widest spread between median and 90th percentile pay in Ohio, which usually reflects added years of experience, advanced degrees, or extra duties like coaching and department leadership.
Job Outlook for Ohio Teachers
Nationally, the BLS projects a 2.0% decline in elementary school teacher employment between 2024 and 2034, though 91,000 openings are still expected each year on average from retirements and turnover. Middle school teaching positions are projected to decline by a similar 2.0%, and high school teaching roles are expected to shrink 1.6%, with 66,200 average annual openings nationwide. Ohio’s labor market agency hasn’t published state-specific projections for these occupations, so these figures reflect the national trend rather than an Ohio-only number. Turnover from retirements and career changes means new positions open every year even in occupations where total employment is flat or declining.
Retiring in Ohio
As you start your career as a teacher in Ohio, you’re required to become a member of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). As a member, you have 180 days to choose one of three retirement plans: the defined benefit plan, the defined contribution plan, or the combined plan.
Defined Benefit Plan
Under this plan, you contribute 10% of your annual salary to a pension fund, while your employer contributes 10.5%. Upon retirement, you receive a monthly pension based on your final average salary and service credit.
You can estimate your likely monthly pension through a benefits calculator provided by STRS.
As an illustrative example based on STRS benefit formulas, a teacher who worked 25 years with a final average salary of $52,000 could receive a monthly pension of roughly $2,383.33 under the defined benefit plan. Your actual benefit depends on your retirement effective date, the formula and reduction factors that apply to your cohort, and your specific plan provisions, so use the STRS calculator above for a figure based on your own record.
Defined Contribution Plan
Through the defined contribution plan, you still contribute 10% of your annual salary along with your employer’s 10.5% contribution to a fund. This plan doesn’t guarantee monthly pension benefits upon retirement.
Your monthly pension is based on the interest earned from your contributions. You’re responsible for the investment options, and you can withdraw these funds after one year of service.
Combined Plan
The combined plan features aspects of both the defined contribution and defined benefit plans. Your 10% contribution is stored in a defined contribution account that you manage. Your employer’s 10.5% contribution goes into a defined benefit portion of your plan instead.
The combined plan gives you the security of a guaranteed monthly pension, with the flexibility to manage another portion of your retirement benefits yourself.
Retirement eligibility for the combined plan and the defined benefit plan depends on your hire date and retirement date. STRS Ohio has phased in higher age and service requirements over the past several years, including provisions that raise the service-credit threshold and, in some cases, require age 60 with up to 35 years of service for an unreduced benefit. There’s no single set of thresholds that applies to every member. Check the current STRS eligibility chart for your specific cohort before making any retirement decision.
To learn more about the retirement options and current eligibility rules that apply to you, contact the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits
Ohio public school teachers typically get health care coverage through their employing school district, and district plans vary in carrier, cost, and coverage. State of Ohio government employees, a separate group from most district-employed teachers, have access to their own statewide plan through the state’s employee benefits program. The details below describe that State of Ohio employee plan as a reference point. Check with your specific district’s HR office for the plan that actually applies to you.
Medical Insurance
The State of Ohio employee medical plan is a PPO managed by Medical Mutual and UnitedHealthcare. Full-time state employees pay 15% of the premium, and the premium amount depends on the coverage level chosen and any dependents enrolled. Your district’s plan may use different carriers and cost-sharing.
This plan covers a range of medical services, including:
- Allergy testing and treatment
- Maternity care
- Urgent care
- Immunizations
- Preventative care
Dental Plan
Under the State of Ohio employee plan, you can choose to participate in either the Delta Dental PPO or the Delta Dental Premier plan. Both let you visit any dentist, though you generally pay less at a dentist in the Delta Dental network. Your school district may offer different dental options.
Both plans cover a variety of dental services, including:
- Routine exams
- Cleanings
- X-rays
Ohio also offers additional benefits including vision insurance, long-term care, and prescription coverage. Learn more about the benefits available through the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average teacher salary in Ohio?
According to May 2025 BLS data, median annual pay ranges from $72,570 for kindergarten teachers to $78,800 for high school teachers. Actual pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level.
Do Ohio teachers pay into Social Security?
Most Ohio public school teachers don’t pay into Social Security. Instead, they contribute to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS Ohio), which functions as their primary retirement plan.
How much do Ohio teachers contribute to their pension?
Under the defined benefit and combined plans, teachers contribute 10% of their annual salary, with their employer contributing 10.5%. STRS Ohio sets contribution rates and can change, so confirm current rates directly with STRS before making retirement decisions.
What health benefits do Ohio teachers get?
It depends on your district. Most Ohio public school teachers get coverage through their employing district’s own plan, which varies by carrier and cost. State of Ohio government employees have access to a separate statewide PPO medical plan and a Delta Dental option, plus benefits like vision insurance and prescription coverage.
When can Ohio teachers retire with full STRS benefits?
It depends on your hire date and which member cohort you fall into. STRS Ohio has phased in higher age and service-credit requirements over time, so there’s no single threshold that applies to everyone. Check the current STRS eligibility chart or contact STRS directly for the rules that apply to your specific retirement date.
- Salary varies by grade level. Ohio’s median teacher pay ranges from $72,570 for kindergarten teachers to $78,800 for high school teachers, per May 2025 BLS data.
- STRS Ohio replaces Social Security. Most Ohio teachers don’t pay into Social Security and instead rely on the State Teachers Retirement System for their pension.
- Three retirement plans, one deadline. New members have 180 days to choose between the defined benefit, defined contribution, and combined plans.
- Benefits go beyond salary. Most teachers get medical and dental coverage through their district, while State of Ohio government employees have access to a separate statewide plan with vision and prescription coverage.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in Ohio, including application requirements and licensure timelines established by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
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.
