The highest paying school districts in Texas include Highland Park ISD, Carroll ISD, and Eanes ISD. These districts offer average teacher salaries ranging from $65,000 to over $70,000 annually, with additional bonuses and stipends. Pay varies based on experience, credentials, and district budget allocations.
Texas Teacher Pay: How It Compares Nationally
Texas public school teachers earn an average annual salary of $58,887, according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This figure ranks slightly below the national average of $66,745 reported by the National Education Association (NEA) for 2024.
However, many school districts in Texas offer competitive pay well above the state average, especially in areas with higher living costs or those offering performance-based stipends. For example, Barbers Hill ISD in Chambers County and Dallas ISD both provide some of the highest teacher salaries in the state.
Texas school districts vary widely in compensation due to district size, location, and local property tax revenues. Teachers in urban and suburban districts with larger budgets and higher enrollments often see more robust pay packages than those in rural areas, unless rural schools receive targeted funding or special designations.
How We Ranked the Highest Paying Texas School Districts
To rank the top-paying school districts in Texas, we analyzed:
- Average teacher salary reported by TEA and district reports
- Bonuses, stipends, and performance incentives
- Cost of living in the school district’s area
- Longevity and career pay growth
- Special programs like the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
All salary figures reflect data from the 2024–2025 academic year. This includes both traditional ISDs and charter school networks that employ certified educators.
Top School Districts in Texas by Teacher Pay
The following table ranks the highest paying school districts in Texas by average teacher salary:
Highest Paying School Districts in Texas (2024–2025)
| District/School | Average Teacher Salary | Notes/Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Academy for Academic Excellence | $86,618 | Charter school in Dallas, serves juvenile detention centers; high pay within 5 years. |
| Barbers Hill ISD | $79,800 | Chambers County; among the highest in the state. |
| Dallas ISD | $70,217 | Tops DFW market; 62% earn above $70k, 12% above $80k. |
| Channelview ISD | $72,700 | Highest in Harris County (Houston area). |
| Deer Park ISD | $70,300 | Teachers with 20+ years earn over $70k. |
| Galena Park ISD | $69,800 | Houston area. |
| La Porte ISD | $69,700 | Houston area. |
| Sheldon ISD | $69,700 | Houston area. |
| Borden County ISD | $70,895 | Small district, high average salary. |
| Draw Academy (Charter, Houston) | $73,721 | Charter school, high average base pay. |
| Grady ISD | $66,182 | Small district, strong base pay. |
| Coppell ISD | Not specified | Ranks in top 6 for North Texas teacher salaries. |
| Houston ISD | $67,074 | One of the largest districts, high average salary. |
| Devers ISD | $67,557 | Small district, high teacher satisfaction. |
| South Texas ISD | $61,457 | High ranking for teaching environment. |
| Katy ISD | $58,512 | Large suburban district, strong teacher satisfaction. |
Barbers Hill ISD and Draw Academy consistently rank as top-paying school districts due to their strong local funding or specialized school type.
Cost of Living Differences Impact Teacher Earnings
Teacher salaries stretch further in areas with lower living costs. For example:
- A $70,000 salary in Borden County provides more purchasing power than the same pay in Dallas or Houston.
- Living costs in rural areas like Grady ISD are significantly lower than in metropolitan areas like San Antonio or Fort Worth.
Teachers should consider regional housing prices, transportation, and tax burdens when comparing teaching jobs across Texas.
Teacher Benefits, Bonuses, and Incentives
Many Texas school districts increase total teacher pay with bonuses, stipends, and benefits. Examples include:
- Dallas ISD: Offers performance-based stipends through the Teacher Incentive Allotment. Over 67% of teachers earn above $70,000 when these are included.
- Barbers Hill ISD: Provides retirement contributions, advanced degree stipends, and paid professional development.
- Draw Academy: Offers high base pay, performance bonuses, and stipends for English Language Arts, second language, and special education teachers.
Most districts also provide:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid leave
- Retirement through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
Career Growth and Salary Progression for Texas Educators
Texas teacher pay increases with years of experience and higher education. Many districts use a step pay scale where salaries increase annually.
For example:
- First-year teachers with a bachelor’s degree may start at $58,000–$63,000.
- Teachers with 10+ years and a master’s or advanced degree often earn $70,000–$80,000.
- In Deer Park ISD, teachers with 20+ years of experience consistently earn over $70,000 annually.
Many school districts offer stipends for technical education, special education, and bilingual certification, boosting total compensation.
Choosing the Right District for a Rewarding Teaching Career
When comparing teaching jobs, educators should evaluate more than salary alone. Key factors include:
- Base pay and bonuses
- Cost of living in the area
- Grade level and subject taught
- Student-teacher ratio and classroom support
- Professional development and promotion pathways
Texas offers a wide range of school types, from large urban ISDs like Houston ISD to high-paying rural districts like Barbers Hill ISD and Borden County ISD. Many teachers in charter schools, such as Draw Academy and Academy for Academic Excellence, also earn higher salaries than peers in nearby public school systems.
For those pursuing a teaching career in the Lone Star State, these districts provide strong financial support, career growth, and long-term job satisfaction.
Typical Questions (FAQs)
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Do smaller districts or charter schools ever pay more than large urban districts?
Yes. Some small districts like Barbers Hill ISD and Borden County ISD, and charter schools like the Academy for Academic Excellence and Draw Academy, offer higher average salaries than major urban districts. These schools often target high-performing educators with competitive pay to fill hard-to-staff teaching positions.
Are there districts where new teachers can earn salaries above $70,000 within their first five years?
Yes. At the Academy for Academic Excellence, first-year teachers can earn over $86,000 within five years. This is exceptionally high across Texas and ranks above national averages.
How do stipends and performance incentives affect total teacher pay in top-paying districts
Stipends and incentives significantly increase total pay. In Dallas ISD, performance-based stipends push the number of teachers earning over $70,000 from 62% to 67%. These bonuses are often linked to student performance, subject area demand, or advanced credentials.
Key Takeaways
- High-paying districts in Texas include Barbers Hill ISD, Academy for Academic Excellence, and Draw Academy.
- Teacher salaries range from $58,000 to over $86,000, depending on school type, experience, and location.
- Bonuses, benefits, and living costs affect real take-home value.
- Career growth, certifications, and advanced degrees lead to higher pay.
