A career in public education offers the profound opportunity to shape future generations, and for those considering this path in one of America's largest cities, the financial prospects are a crucial consideration. Working for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system, governed by the Chicago Board of Education, provides a stable, union-backed career with competitive compensation. Salaries for new teachers begin at over $60,000, with a clear pathway for experienced, highly-educated professionals to earn well over $100,000 annually.
This guide will break down the salary structures, influencing factors, and career outlook for professionals considering a role within the Chicago Public Schools system.
What Types of Jobs are Available at the Chicago Board of Education?
First, it's important to clarify the terminology. The Chicago Board of Education is the governing body that oversees the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the third-largest school district in the United States. When people inquire about "Chicago Board of Education salaries," they are typically referring to the salaries of the thousands of employees who work for CPS.
These roles are diverse and extend far beyond the classroom. Key positions within CPS include:
- Teachers: The largest group of employees, responsible for instruction across pre-kindergarten, elementary, and high school levels in a wide range of subjects.
- School Administrators: Principals and Assistant Principals who lead individual schools, managing staff, budget, and academic strategy.
- Specialized Instructional Support Personnel: Roles such as School Counselors, Social Workers, Librarians, and School Psychologists who support student well-being and academic success.
- Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel (PSRPs): Teacher's aides, special education classroom assistants, and other staff who provide critical classroom support.
- Central Office and Administrative Staff: Professionals in departments like Finance, IT, Human Resources, and Curriculum Development who manage the district's operations.
This article will focus primarily on teacher and administrator salaries, as they represent the most common career paths and have the most publicly available data.
Average Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Salary
Salaries within CPS are highly structured, especially for teachers, who are represented by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Compensation is not based on negotiation but on a transparent salary schedule defined in the collective bargaining agreement.
- Teacher Salaries: According to the official 2022-2024 CPS-CTU Agreement, teacher salaries are based on a "step and lane" schedule.
- Starting Salary (Entry-Level): A first-year teacher with a Bachelor's degree (Lane I, Step 1) earns a base salary of $62,024 for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Mid-Career Salary: A teacher with 10 years of experience and a Master's degree (Lane II, Step 10) earns $88,542.
- Senior-Level Salary: A highly experienced teacher (15+ years) with a Ph.D. or two Master's degrees (Lane VI, Step 15) can earn $112,504 or more.
- Principal Salaries: Administrator salaries are also competitive. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Public School Principal in Chicago, IL, is $129,505, with a typical range falling between $114,411 and $145,632 as of May 2024.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Several predictable factors determine an employee's earning potential within the Chicago Public Schools system. Understanding these is key to maximizing your career trajectory.
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Level of Education
For teachers, education is one of the most significant factors influencing pay. The CPS-CTU salary schedule features different "lanes" corresponding to educational attainment. Moving into a new lane results in an immediate and substantial salary increase.
- Lane I: Bachelor's Degree
- Lane II: Master's Degree
- Lane III: Master's Degree + 15 semester hours
- Lane IV: Master's Degree + 30 semester hours / or a second Master's degree
- Lane V: Master's Degree + 45 semester hours
- Lane VI: Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D.)
For example, a teacher with 5 years of experience earns $71,159 with a Bachelor's degree but $75,214 with a Master's degree—an immediate difference of over $4,000 per year.
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Years of Experience
The second pillar of the CPS salary schedule is "steps," which directly correspond to years of credited service. Each year, an employee moves up a step, receiving a built-in raise. This system rewards loyalty and experience. A teacher progresses from Step 1 (first year) up to Step 16, with significant salary growth at each stage. This creates a predictable and transparent path to a six-figure salary over the course of a career.
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Geographic Location
While all CPS jobs are in Chicago, it's useful to compare these salaries to national averages to understand their competitiveness.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median pay for High School Teachers was $65,220 per year in May 2023. For Elementary School Teachers, it was $63,680. CPS starting salaries are in line with these national medians, and the earning potential for experienced teachers in Chicago significantly exceeds the national average, reflecting the higher cost of living and the strength of the union contract in a major metropolitan area.
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Company Type
Working for a large, public district like CPS offers a different compensation structure than other educational institutions.
- Public (CPS) vs. Private/Charter: CPS salaries are governed by a public, union-negotiated contract, offering transparency, regular raises, and excellent benefits, including a pension. Private and charter schools in Chicago often have more flexibility in pay but may offer lower starting salaries and less comprehensive benefits packages.
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Area of Specialization
Certain specializations can lead to higher pay through stipends or place you in a high-need category, improving job security. Within CPS, teachers in fields like Special Education, Bilingual Education, and certain STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are often in high demand. Furthermore, teachers who pursue National Board Certification are eligible for a significant annual bonus, further increasing their earning potential.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for educators remains stable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for high school teachers and elementary school teachers will grow by 1% from 2022 to 2032, which is slower than the average for all occupations.
However, these national statistics don't fully capture the reality of a massive urban district like Chicago. CPS employs over 40,000 staff members. Due to the natural cycle of retirements, relocations, and career changes, the district consistently has hiring needs each year. Job prospects within CPS are generally strong for qualified candidates, particularly in high-need schools and specialized subject areas. The demand for education administrators, such as principals, is projected to be stable as well.
Conclusion
A career with Chicago Public Schools offers a unique blend of mission-driven work and strong financial rewards. For prospective educators and administrators, the path to a competitive salary is clear, transparent, and rewarding.
Key Takeaways:
- Structured Compensation: Salaries are not arbitrary; they are determined by a clear "step and lane" schedule based on experience and education.
- Investment in Education Pays Off: Pursuing a Master's degree or Doctorate directly translates to higher lifelong earnings.
- Competitive Pay: CPS salaries are competitive when compared to national averages, providing a solid middle-class living in a major U.S. city.
- Stability and Growth: The system rewards loyalty with annual raises and offers strong job security and excellent benefits, including a pension plan.
For anyone passionate about education and looking for a stable, impactful career, exploring opportunities within the Chicago Public Schools system is a highly recommended and financially sound decision.
Sources:
- Chicago Public Schools & Chicago Teachers Union (CPS-CTU) Collective Bargaining Agreement, 2022-2024.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: [High School Teachers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm) & [Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm).
- Salary.com, [Public School Principal Salary in Chicago, IL](https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/public-school-principal-salary/chicago-il), May 2024.
- Glassdoor.com, [Chicago Public Schools Salaries](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Chicago-Public-Schools-Salaries-E24647.htm), updated 2024.