CPS Teacher Salary in US 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Chicago Public Schools Teacher Salary in America 2025

Chicago Public Schools stands as the fourth-largest school district in the United States, serving over 322,000 students across 643 schools as of the 2024-2025 academic year. The compensation structure for CPS teachers has undergone substantial transformation following the ratification of a historic four-year contract between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools in April 2025. This landmark agreement positions Chicago educators among the highest-paid public school teachers in the nation, with average salaries projected to surpass $114,000 by the end of the contract period in 2028.

The teaching profession in Chicago offers a uniquely competitive salary framework that rewards both educational attainment and professional experience. With approximately 24,000 teachers employed by the district, CPS maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, below the Illinois state average. The district’s commitment to educator compensation reflects its role as a major urban school system serving predominantly minority and economically disadvantaged student populations, where 56.4 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals and 18.6 percent are English language learners.

Interesting Facts About CPS Teacher Salaries in the US 2025

Data source: Chicago Public Schools Official Website, Chicago Teachers Union Contract 2024-2028, Illinois Policy Institute, CPS FY2025 Budget Documents

Chicago Public Schools Teacher Compensation Analysis in the US 2025

The compensation data presented above reveals the substantial earning potential available to educators within the Chicago Public Schools system. The $66,330 starting salary for first-year teachers with a bachelor’s degree represents one of the most competitive entry-level compensation packages in American public education. This figure increases dramatically as educators advance through the salary schedule, with maximum compensation reaching $127,222 for the most experienced teachers holding doctoral degrees.

The 4 percent cost-of-living adjustment applied retroactively to the 2024-2025 school year marks the largest single-year raise CPS teachers have received in over 13 years. This increase alone adds approximately $3,320 to the average teacher’s annual compensation. When combined with step and lane increases based on experience and advanced degrees, the average teacher will see their salary grow by $27,990 over the four-year contract period, with $15,379 coming from COLA adjustments and $12,611 from seniority-based step increases. The district employs 23,979 teachers serving more than 322,000 students, creating significant financial implications for the $1.5 billion contract negotiated in 2025. This agreement represents a substantial increase over the previous five-year contract, which cost the district a similar amount spread over a longer timeframe.

CPS Teacher Salary Schedule by Education Level in the US 2025

Note: Salaries shown are for 208-day calendar teachers for the 2023-2024 school year (most recent complete data). 2024-2025 figures include 4% COLA increase.

Data source: CTU-CPS Salary Tables 2019-2025, Chicago Teachers Union Official Salary Schedules

CPS Teacher Salary Progression Analysis in the US 2025

The salary schedule presented demonstrates how Chicago teachers’ compensation increases both vertically through years of service and horizontally through educational advancement. A teacher beginning their career with a bachelor’s degree at $66,330 can reach $113,029 after 30 years of service while remaining in Lane 1. However, educators who pursue advanced degrees see substantially higher lifetime earnings. A teacher who completes a doctorate degree reaches $127,222 at the 30-year mark, representing a $14,193 difference compared to a colleague with only a bachelor’s degree.

The salary progression reveals significant earning milestones throughout a teacher’s career. By year 10, the salary range spans from $87,421 for Lane 1 teachers to $101,205 for Lane 6 teachers, a difference of $13,784. This differential grows to $13,383 by year 20 and slightly narrows to $14,193 at year 30. The district’s willingness to compensate advanced education reflects its commitment to professional development, though research on the correlation between teacher education levels and student outcomes remains mixed. CPS teachers receive annual step increases based on years of service, with additional “step increments” that range from $935 to $2,570 depending on their position in the salary schedule. These automatic raises occur independently of the negotiated COLA increases, meaning teachers receive multiple forms of salary growth simultaneously.

Average CPS Teacher Salary Comparison in the US 2025

Data source: Illinois Policy Institute, National Education Association, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago Teachers Union

Salary Competitiveness Analysis in the US 2025

Chicago Public Schools teachers earn substantially more than their counterparts in other Illinois districts and across the nation. The current CPS average of $86,489 exceeds the Illinois statewide average by $18,489 or 27.2 percent, and surpasses the national average by $20,092 or 30.3 percent. By 2028, when the projected average reaches $114,479, CPS teachers will earn 68.4 percent more than the current national average, positioning them among the highest-compensated public school educators in America.

This compensation premium reflects several factors unique to Chicago. As the only school district in Illinois with its own pension system separate from the statewide Teachers’ Retirement System, CPS faces distinct financial pressures. The district must fund $1.015 billion in pension contributions for FY2025, with the State of Illinois contributing $353.9 million (35 percent) and CPS covering the remaining $661.6 million through property taxes and operating revenues. This represents a significantly higher employer contribution rate compared to other Illinois districts, where the state covers approximately 98.7 percent of pension costs. The higher salaries also compensate for the challenging urban teaching environment, where 90 percent of students are minorities, 56.4 percent qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and academic proficiency rates remain below state averages. Despite district spending increases of 97 percent since 2012, only 26 percent of third through eighth graders are proficient in reading and less than 18 percent are proficient in math.

CPS Teacher Benefits Package in the US 2025

Data source: Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund, Chicago Teachers Union Contract, CPS Benefits Portal

CPS Teacher Benefits Analysis in the US 2025

The total compensation package for Chicago Public Schools teachers extends well beyond base salary, incorporating substantial benefits that significantly enhance overall remuneration. The pension system alone represents a major component of long-term financial security. CPS contributes $1.015 billion to the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund in FY2025, with the State of Illinois covering $353.9 million including $65 million for retiree healthcare subsidies. This employer contribution dwarfs those in most other professions, where defined benefit pension plans have become increasingly rare.

Active teachers receive comprehensive health insurance with enhanced coverage that began January 1, 2025, including 100 percent coverage for all preventative and diagnostic dental services. Upon retirement, eligible CTPF members receive a 60 percent subsidy on health insurance premiums, though dependent coverage does not qualify for this subsidy. The 7 percent pension pickup effectively adds thousands of dollars to each teacher’s total compensation, appearing as “Pension Pickup/Added Salary” in the official salary schedules. For a mid-career teacher earning $90,000, this adds $6,300 to their total compensation. The generous time-off structure provides approximately 180 working days annually compared to the typical 220-240 days in other professions, though teachers often work extended hours during the school year and many engage in summer professional development or additional employment. CPS teachers do not participate in Social Security, meaning their CTPF pension serves as their primary retirement income rather than a supplement to Social Security benefits.

CPS Teacher Hiring and Retention Statistics in the US 2025

Data source: Chicago Public Schools Stats and Facts 2025, U.S. News Education Data, CPS Chief Talent Officer Reports

Teacher Workforce Analysis in the US 2025

Chicago Public Schools employs 23,979 teachers serving 322,809 students, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 that falls below the state average. This ratio has remained relatively stable despite enrollment declining by 20 percent over the past decade, falling from 404,151 students in 2011-2012 to current levels. The district added 689 teachers between 2012 and 2024, a modest 3 percent increase that contrasts sharply with the enrollment decline. The teaching workforce demonstrates considerable experience, with 58 percent having served for 10 or more years. This retention of veteran educators contributes to the higher average salary, as experienced teachers progress through the step-and-lane schedule. An impressive 68 percent of teachers hold master’s degrees or higher, significantly exceeding the national average and reflecting CPS’s compensation incentives for advanced education.

Licensing rates reach 96.9 percent, indicating strong professional qualifications across the workforce. However, the district faces ongoing challenges recruiting bilingual teachers despite serving large populations of English language learners. CPS has increased the number of bilingual-certified teachers by more than 2,000 over five years through early job offers and certification cost subsidies. The 12-15 percent annual turnover rate, while concerning, remains comparable to urban districts nationally. CPS typically hires 1,500-2,000 new teachers annually to fill vacancies created by retirements, resignations, and position growth. The competitive salary structure, strong union representation, and comprehensive benefits package serve as key recruitment and retention tools in a challenging labor market for educators.

CPS Teacher Salary Contract Negotiations History in the US 2025

Data source: Chicago Teachers Union Contract Archives, Illinois Policy Institute, CPS Budget Documents

Contract Negotiations Impact Analysis in the US 2025

The 2024-2028 contract represents a significant escalation in compensation costs for Chicago Public Schools, compressing a $1.5 billion price tag into four years compared to the five-year duration of the previous contract with similar total costs. The 4 percent COLA for 2024-2025 marks the largest annual raise in over 13 years, with subsequent years guaranteeing 4-5 percent increases depending on inflation rates. This structure protects teachers against inflation while committing the district to substantial fixed costs regardless of revenue growth.

Beyond salary increases, the contract eliminated multi-year steps, effectively granting teachers seven additional years of salary bumps throughout their careers. This structural change adds $12,611 on average to each teacher’s compensation over the contract term, beyond the $15,379 gained from COLA adjustments. The average teacher will see total salary growth of $27,990, translating to the average salary rising from approximately $86,489 in 2024 to a projected $114,479 by 2028, a 32.4 percent increase over four years. The contract also secured reductions in class size limits, increased elementary preparation time from 60 to 70 minutes daily, and committed to hiring hundreds of additional positions including 90 new librarians. These staffing additions compound the salary cost increases, creating long-term budget pressures that district officials project will result in a $730 million budget shortfall for the 2025-2026 school year. The Chicago Teachers Union, which historically has demonstrated willingness to strike, avoided work stoppage through this agreement despite initial tensions that led to the resignation of the entire school board and the firing of CEO Pedro Martinez.

CPS Teacher Salary by School Type in the US 2025

Note: Charter and contract school salaries vary by individual school contracts.

Data source: Chicago Public Schools School Types Data, Charter School Salary Surveys, CTU Charter Contracts

School Type Salary Variation Analysis in the US 2025

Significant salary disparities exist between traditional district-run schools and charter schools within the CPS system. District-run schools, which comprise 80 percent of all CPS schools, offer the highest average teacher compensation at $88,500, reflecting the full CTU contract salary schedule and benefits. Teachers at selective enrollment high schools earn even more, averaging $92,000, due to their typically higher educational credentials and longer tenure. Charter schools, while part of the CPS ecosystem serving 17 percent of schools, operate under individual contracts with salaries ranging from $75,000 to $82,000. This represents an $6,500 to $13,500 discount compared to district-run schools. Charter teachers often face different working conditions, including longer school days, extended school years, and more limited job protections. Some charter schools are unionized with individual CTU contracts, while others operate non-union with at-will employment.

Contract schools and SAFE schools (Students and Families Empowered) serve specialized populations with salaries comparable to charter schools but with unique contract provisions. The 111 charter schools in Chicago enroll approximately 60,000 students, representing nearly 19 percent of total CPS enrollment. Despite lower average salaries, some charter organizations have closed the compensation gap in recent years to compete for talent in a challenging teacher labor market. The salary differences reflect broader debates about school choice, labor relations, and educational equity within Chicago. District leaders and union officials have periodically clashed over charter school expansion, with the CTU arguing that charter growth diverts resources from traditional public schools while charter advocates contend that competition drives innovation and accountability.

CPS Teacher Retirement and Pension Benefits in the US 2025

Data source: Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund 2025 Actuarial Report, CPS FY2025 Budget, Illinois Pension Analysis

Pension System Financial Analysis in the US 2025

The Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund operates as a defined benefit plan separate from the statewide Teachers’ Retirement System, creating unique financial obligations for Chicago taxpayers. With 31,215 active members and 27,610 beneficiaries, CTPF maintains an active-to-retiree ratio of 1.13:1, indicating that for every teacher currently working, there is nearly one retiree receiving benefits. This ratio has declined significantly over decades and continues trending downward as enrollment and staffing decline while retirees live longer. The $1.015 billion total employer contribution required for FY2025 represents approximately 11 percent of the district’s total $9.4 billion budget. Of this amount, the State of Illinois contributes $353.9 million (35 percent), leaving CPS responsible for $661.6 million funded through a dedicated pension property tax levy of $558.7 million and $102.9 million from operating revenues.

The pension formula of 2.2 percent × Years of Service × Final Average Salary means a teacher retiring after 34 years with a final average salary of $110,000 would receive approximately $82,280 annually (75 percent of final salary). Average pensions range from $60,000 to $65,000, though many recent retirees with advanced degrees and long tenure receive substantially more. The fund’s 47-50 percent funded ratio indicates that CTPF holds less than half the assets needed to pay all promised benefits, classifying it as severely underfunded by actuarial standards. This underfunding stems from decades of inadequate contributions, overly optimistic investment return assumptions, and benefit enhancements not accompanied by corresponding funding increases. The assumed investment return rate of 6.5 percent, reduced from 6.75 percent in 2020, remains above rates used by many other pension systems. Healthcare benefits add another dimension to retirement security, with CTPF providing a 60 percent premium subsidy for eligible retirees, though not covering dependents.

Factors Influencing CPS Teacher Salaries in the US 2025

Multiple interconnected factors shape Chicago teacher compensation, creating a complex environment that distinguishes CPS from other districts. The strength of the Chicago Teachers Union, representing approximately 25,000 educators, exerts substantial influence through collective bargaining. The union’s willingness to strike, demonstrated twice since 2010, provides leverage in negotiations. The election of former CTU employee Brandon Johnson as mayor in 2023 shifted the political landscape, creating a more union-friendly environment that contributed to the favorable 2024-2028 contract. Economic conditions, particularly inflation rates, directly impact salary negotiations through COLA provisions. The contract’s 4-5 percent increases tied to inflation protect purchasing power but create budget uncertainty for district planners.

The district’s fiscal health, characterized by chronic deficits and heavy pension obligations, constrains compensation growth despite union demands. CPS faces a projected $730 million shortfall for 2025-2026, forcing difficult choices between salary increases and other priorities. State funding formulas also play a critical role. Illinois’ 2017 Evidence-Based Funding reform increased state contributions to CTPF from minimal amounts to $353.9 million annually, reducing the burden on local taxpayers and freeing resources for salary increases. Teacher recruitment and retention challenges in an urban environment with predominantly low-income minority students necessitate competitive compensation to attract qualified candidates. The district’s need for 2,000+ bilingual teachers over five years illustrates how demographic trends drive compensation policy. Finally, the broader labor market affects teacher pay. As competing professions offer higher salaries to college graduates, particularly in STEM fields, districts must increase compensation to remain competitive for talent. The projection that average CPS teacher salaries will exceed $114,000 by 2028 reflects these compounding pressures in a tight labor market.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

Email ID:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email *

SUBSCRIBE