Becoming a teacher in Virginia is an exciting and meaningful career path, especially for students preparing for their Praxis exams and planning ahead for licensure. One of the most common questions future educators ask is: “How much do teachers make in Virginia?”
This guide breaks down Virginia teacher salaries, factors that influence pay, and why Virginia is considered one of the best states for long-term teaching careers. Whether you're planning your next steps or studying for your certification exams, this resource will help you understand what to expect and how TakeMyPraxisExam.com can support your journey.
Why Teaching in Virginia Is a Smart Career Choice
Virginia consistently ranks as a top state for education. Not only does it offer competitive salaries, but it also provides stable job growth, excellent benefits, and strong demand for new teachers. Students entering the profession can look forward to:
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Competitive starting salaries
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Opportunities to advance
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Reliable job security
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Multiple teaching pathways
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Supportive school districts
If you're preparing for your Praxis exam, you're already taking the first big step toward joining a rewarding field with strong earning potential.
Average Teacher Salary in Virginia
Although salaries vary by district, experience, and subject, Virginia’s teacher salaries remain strong compared with national averages. Most educators working full-time can expect earnings that grow steadily over time. Entry-level positions offer solid compensation, while experienced teachers and specialists earn significantly more.
This means your income as a teacher in Virginia won’t stay static you’ll see consistent raises as you gain years of service, additional endorsements, and degrees.
If you’re planning long-term, Virginia is a state where your earning potential can grow year after year.
Starting Salary for New Teachers
New teachers in Virginia typically begin with competitive starting pay that improves as you gain classroom experience. As a brand-new educator, you can expect a salary that reflects your earned credentials and your district's pay structure.
For many students preparing for Praxis exams, it’s encouraging to know that your first teaching job will already place you in a stable salary range. As you move forward in your career, your earnings will increase naturally through step raises, performance evaluations, and additional certifications.
Average and median salaries
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Average annual salary: Approximately $50,700 to $61,000
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Median annual salary (2024): Between $60,900 and $63,900 for middle and high school teachers, respectively.
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High school teacher average annual salary: Around $72,020
Salary ranges
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Starting (10th percentile): About $41,634 per year or $18.59 per hour
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Mid-level: About $67,304 per year or $30.44 per hour
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Senior-level: About $90,798 per year or $39.14 per hour
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Top earners (90th percentile): Over $122,142 per year or $60.49 per ho
Factors That Influence Teacher Pay in Virginia
1. School District
Teacher salaries depend significantly on the district. Northern Virginia districts often offer some of the highest salaries in the region, while smaller rural areas may offer slightly lower pay.
2. Years of Experience
Experience is one of the biggest drivers of income. Every additional year of teaching increases your step on the salary scale.
3. Education Level
Teachers with advanced degrees, such as a master’s or specialist degree, earn more. Many districts pay additional stipends for graduate-level work or specialized endorsements.
4. Endorsements and Specializations
Special education, STEM, world languages, and high-demand subjects often come with higher compensation or bonus opportunities.
5. Additional Responsibilities
Taking on roles such as coaching, leading student clubs, or serving as a department chair may increase your annual earnings.
Understanding these factors helps you plan your education, endorsements, and long-term goals as an aspiring teacher.
Why Preparing for Your Praxis Exam Matters
Your salary begins with your first job and your first job begins with passing your certification exams.
This is where TakeMyPraxisExam.com supports students at every step. Many aspiring teachers struggle with time, test anxiety, or content gaps. With expert guidance, study support, and personalized help, you can move through the exam stage quickly and confidently.
The faster you pass your Praxis exams, the sooner you can begin earning a full teacher salary.
Living Comfortably on a Teacher’s Salary in Virginia
Virginia offers a reasonable cost of living, especially outside major metro areas. Many teachers appreciate that they can:
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Afford housing
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Build savings
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Pay off student loans
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Live comfortably while developing their careers
Even new teachers find that Virginia's salary structure allows them to maintain a stable and balanced lifestyle while they grow professionally.
Long-Term Salary Growth
Teaching in Virginia is not just a job; it's a long-term investment. Salaries grow steadily, and teachers benefit from:
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Annual step increases
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District-wide pay raises
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Credential-based pay boosts
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Retirement and benefits packages
Your earning potential expands as you gain experience, pursue further education, or move into leadership roles. Many educators also supplement their income with summer
How TakeMyPraxisExam.com Helps Future Virginia Teachers Succeed
If you're working toward becoming a certified teacher, Praxis exams are one of the biggest challenges you'll face. TakeMyPraxisExam.com helps students:
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Prepare for Praxis Core, Subject Assessments, and PLTs
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Get personalized assistance
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Reduce stress and test anxiety
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Save valuable time
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Pass exams faster
Becoming a teacher is easier when you don’t have to navigate certification alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do teachers make starting out in Virginia?
Starting salaries vary by district, but new teachers typically earn competitive pay that improves steadily with experience.
2. Do teachers in Virginia get annual raises?
Yes. Most districts use step systems that provide yearly salary increases based on experience.
3. Which Virginia districts pay the highest salaries?
Many districts in Northern Virginia offer some of the highest teacher salaries in the state.
4. Do teachers with master’s degrees earn more?
Yes. Advanced degrees almost always increase a teacher’s salary and long-term earning potential.
5. Why is the Praxis exam important for becoming a teacher?
Passing the Praxis is required for licensure. It’s one of the essential steps toward securing a teaching job and earning a full salary.
Final Thoughts
Teaching in Virginia offers strong salaries, reliable career growth, and meaningful opportunities to make a difference. As you prepare for your Praxis exams and plan your future, remember that the right support can make the process much easier.
By choosing TakeMyPraxisExam.com, you’re choosing confidence, convenience, and a smoother path toward becoming a certified Virginia educator.