Salaries for Dallas Area Teachers

Did you know you can earn over $60,000 as a first-year teacher in Dallas-Fort Worth? That’s one of the highest starting salaries in the nation! (4)  Some districts offer additional financial incentives and bonuses for new teachers, career changers, and shortage area teachers. (3)

In Texas, like most states, starting salaries vary by district. They also may depend on your experience. You’ll earn a higher starting salary with a master’s degree than you will with a bachelor’s. 

With a low cost-of-living and high quality-of-life, Dallas-Fort Worth is a great location to make a new home.

Benefits for Shortage Area Teachers

Teachers in shortage areas often qualify for extra financial aid. Some districts offer extra stipends for teachers in high-need subject areas, like math, science, bilingual education, or special education. You may also qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs—in exchange for a commitment to teach for several years. 

Benefits for All Teachers

You’ll receive comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance—plus secure retirement plans and vacation time. There are a number of ways you can increase your teaching salary, including earning an advanced degree, leading extracurriculars and pursuing advanced certifications.

As a teacher intern, you’ll fly solo in your own classroom while you earn a salary and work toward your credential. You’ll also take classes with an approved partner university or approved instructors, and you’ll likely have a one-on-one coach and regular classroom observations.

Internships are generally meant for mature educators who may have classroom experience and just need their official teaching license. Internships are also meant to help districts staff harder-to-fill classes, such as STEM and special ed.

A paraprofessional works in a classroom under an assigned teacher. What they do depends on the school’s needs, the grade level, and what the students need on any given day. 

Typical work for a paraprofessional might include:

• Working one-on-one with students to reinforce the day’s lessons and answer questions
• Grading assignments
• Setting up the classroom for projects and presentations
• Supervising kids during recess or on school trips
• Developing lessons

Being a substitute allows you to work in more than one type of classroom. You can gain experience in a wide variety of subjects and grade levels. As a substitute, you’ll practice classroom management, lesson planning and instructional skills.

To become a substitute teacher in Dallas- Fort Worth you must have a bachelor’s degree or have earned at least 60 college hours. (6)

On average: 

• Substitute teachers who are Texas certified are paid at a rate of $120.00 - $130.00 per day. 
• Substitute teachers who are degreed but not certified to teach in Texas will receive $115.00 per day. 

• Substitute teachers who are non-degreed with a minimum of sixty college hours will be paid $110.00 per day. (7)

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, alternative certification is a non-traditional route to becoming a teacher. This innovative pathway lets you start teaching, earn a salary and finish your standard teaching certificate, all at the same time. 

Check out our Dallas Fort Worth programs and look for alternative certification.