APS Teacher Salary in America 2025
Atlanta Public Schools stands as one of Georgia’s largest school districts, serving approximately 50,000 students across the metro Atlanta area. The district has made unprecedented investments in educator compensation, positioning itself as a leader in teacher pay among Georgia school systems. Understanding the salary structure at APS provides valuable insights for current educators, prospective teachers, and education policy stakeholders who are evaluating career opportunities in one of the Southeast’s most dynamic urban school districts.
The 2024-2025 school year marks a historic turning point for APS teachers, with the district implementing the largest teacher pay increase in its history. This comprehensive salary overhaul reflects the district’s commitment to recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators in an increasingly competitive market. The substantial raises come at a time when teacher shortages nationwide have reached critical levels, making competitive compensation packages essential for maintaining educational quality. Beyond base salary improvements, APS has restructured its entire compensation philosophy to recognize experience, advanced education, and specialized teaching assignments.
Interesting Facts About APS Teacher Salary in the US 2025
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Historic Pay Increase 2025 | APS approved an 11% average pay raise for teachers, the largest increase since 2009 |
| Base Salary 2024-2025 | Starting teacher salary set at $61,816 annually |
| State Supplement Addition | Georgia added an additional $2,500 state-funded salary increase effective July 1, 2024 |
| Total Budget Allocation | $58.9 million allocated for salary increases, stipends, and cost-of-living adjustments |
| Non-Teaching Staff Raises | Support staff received 3-5% cost-of-living adjustments in the same budget cycle |
| Total District Budget 2025 | $1.79 billion total budget with general fund at $1.26 billion |
| Teacher Workforce Size | APS employs over 4,000 teachers district-wide |
| New Hires 2025 | District welcomed 180 new teachers for the 2025-2026 school year |
| Frontline Staff Raises 2025 | Bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals received 10% pay increases |
| Nurse Salary Adjustments | School nurses received 1-2% raises plus step increases |
| Central Office Reductions | Funding for raises achieved partly through central office staff reductions |
| Metro Ranking | APS positioned among the highest-paying districts in the metro Atlanta region |
| Superintendent Goal | Long-term target to raise average teacher salary to $100,000 |
| Retention Bonuses | Additional retention incentives for hard-to-fill subjects and high-needs schools |
| Early Hiring Incentives | $8.2 million allocated for work visa sponsorship and hiring incentives |
Data sources: Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education Budget Documents 2024-2025, WSB-TV Atlanta, FOX 5 Atlanta, Atlanta News First, WABE News, Rough Draft Atlanta
Understanding the APS Teacher Salary Structure in the US 2025
The Atlanta Public Schools salary framework operates as a sophisticated tiered system that rewards both professional development and longevity in the classroom. Teachers progress through salary levels based on their educational credentials and accumulated years of service within the district. The structure recognizes four primary certification levels aligned with Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements: Bachelor’s degree holders (T4 level), Master’s degree holders (T5 level), Specialist degree holders (T6 level), and Doctorate degree holders (T7 level). Each certification tier carries a distinct base salary, with annual step increases available as teachers gain additional years of experience.
The 11% pay increase implemented for the 2024-2025 academic year represents more than just a cost-of-living adjustment. This historic raise restructured the entire compensation scale, elevating the base starting salary to $61,816 for entry-level teachers with bachelor’s degrees. When combined with the $2,500 state supplement approved by Governor Brian Kemp and signed into law in May 2024, many APS teachers saw their total compensation increase by substantially more than the district’s 11% baseline adjustment. The state supplement applies to all certified K-12 teachers and educational staff across Georgia, providing an additional boost beyond local district raises.
APS Teacher Base Salary Schedule in the US 2025
| Certification Level | Degree Type | Starting Salary (0 Years) | Mid-Career (10 Years) | Experienced (20+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T4 | Bachelor’s | $61,816 | $68,500 – $72,000 | $76,000 – $82,000 |
| T5 | Master’s | $65,000 – $68,000 | $72,000 – $78,000 | $82,000 – $90,000 |
| T6 | Specialist | $70,000 – $74,000 | $78,000 – $84,000 | $88,000 – $96,000 |
| T7 | Doctorate | $75,000 – $80,000 | $84,000 – $92,000 | $94,000 – $107,000 |
Note: Salary ranges reflect base district compensation plus state supplements. Actual salaries vary based on exact years of experience and additional stipends.
Data source: Atlanta Public Schools Salary Schedule 2024-2025, Glassdoor salary data (417 reported salaries), Indeed salary surveys
The salary progression demonstrates APS’s commitment to rewarding continued professional education. Teachers who pursue advanced degrees see immediate salary increases upon credential completion. A teacher with a bachelor’s degree earning $61,816 at the entry level can expect to reach the $68,500 to $72,000 range after ten years of service. However, that same teacher who completes a master’s degree during that decade would instead fall into the $72,000 to $78,000 compensation bracket, reflecting both the advanced credential and accumulated experience.
According to verified salary data from 417 APS teachers reporting on Glassdoor as of November 2025, the average total compensation reaches $65,076 annually, with the typical pay range spanning from $50,361 at the 25th percentile to $85,068 at the 75th percentile. High-performing teachers with extensive experience and advanced credentials can achieve salaries approaching $107,445 at the 90th percentile. These figures demonstrate the substantial earning potential available to career educators who invest in professional development and accumulate years of service within the district.
APS Teacher Salary Comparison Across Metro Atlanta in the US 2025
| School District | Starting Salary | Average Salary | Top Salary Range | Recent Raise % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Public Schools | $61,816 | $65,076 | $85,000 – $107,000 | 11% (2024-2025) |
| Fulton County Schools | $56,000 – $59,000 | $62,000 – $64,000 | $78,000 – $95,000 | 4-6% (estimated) |
| DeKalb County Schools | $54,000 – $57,000 | $60,000 – $63,000 | $75,000 – $90,000 | 3-5% (estimated) |
| Cobb County Schools | $58,000 – $60,000 | $63,000 – $66,000 | $80,000 – $98,000 | 5-7% (estimated) |
| Gwinnett County Schools | $55,000 – $58,000 | $61,000 – $64,000 | $77,000 – $93,000 | 4-6% (estimated) |
| Metro Atlanta Average | $52,439 (BLS) | $60,000 – $65,000 | $75,000 – $95,000 | Variable |
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA 2024, Salary.com regional data, district comparison analyses
Atlanta Public Schools has strategically positioned itself at the forefront of educator compensation in the metro Atlanta marketplace. The $61,816 starting salary significantly exceeds the regional average and outpaces most neighboring districts. This competitive advantage serves the district’s recruitment goals, particularly when attracting early-career teachers and professionals considering career transitions into education. The comparison reveals that APS starting salaries exceed typical metro Atlanta entry-level teaching positions by $5,000 to $8,000 annually, representing a substantial premium for new educators.
The district’s leadership has explicitly stated their intention to remain among the highest-paying school systems in the metropolitan area. Budget Commission Chair Katie Howard emphasized during the June 2024 budget approval that “we were really able to take it to an 11% increase to make sure that we’re at the top in metro districts in pay, and we’ll have to sustain it.” This commitment to sustained competitive compensation reflects an understanding that teacher retention directly impacts student outcomes and reduces the significant costs associated with recruiting and training replacement educators.
Georgia State Teacher Salary Context in the US 2025
| Salary Metric | Georgia Statewide | APS District | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Starting Salary | $43,592 (state base) | $61,816 | +$18,224 (+41.8%) |
| Average Starting Salary | $38,000 (estimated) | $61,816 | +$23,816 (+62.7%) |
| State Salary Supplement 2025 | $2,500 (all districts) | $2,500 (included) | Universal benefit |
| Average Teacher Salary Statewide | $60,000 – $62,000 | $65,076 | +$3,076 to $5,076 |
| National Ranking (Starting Salary) | 39th nationally | Top 10% in Georgia | Significantly above state |
| National Ranking (Average Salary) | 20th nationally | Top 5% in Georgia | Well above state average |
| State Budget Increase 2025 | $368 million (statewide) | $58.9 million (APS) | District-specific allocation |
Data sources: Georgia Budget and Policy Institute FY2025 Education Budget Analysis, Georgia Association of Educators, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Georgia’s statewide teacher compensation presents a complex picture. While the state established a minimum base salary of $43,592 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, many districts struggle to compete with urban systems like Atlanta that can supplement state funding with local property tax revenues. Georgia ranks 39th nationally for average teacher starting salaries, with many rural districts paying close to the state minimum. However, Georgia’s overall average teacher salary ranking of 20th nationally reflects the substantial variation between well-funded urban and suburban districts versus resource-constrained rural systems.
Governor Brian Kemp’s administration has prioritized teacher compensation, implementing a $2,500 salary increase for all certified K-12 teachers effective July 1, 2024. This state-funded supplement came on top of local district raises, providing APS teachers with both the 11% district increase and the $2,500 state boost. Combined, these raises represent one of the most substantial year-over-year compensation improvements in Georgia education history. The state also allocated $244 million for health insurance coverage for teachers, ensuring that rising healthcare costs don’t erode the gains from salary increases.
APS Teacher Benefits Package in the US 2025
| Benefit Category | Coverage Details | Employee Cost | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance (State Health Benefit Plan) | Anthem BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente options | Varies by plan selection | Employer contribution: substantial |
| Dental Insurance (Delta Dental) | PPO plan: 100% preventive, 80% basic, 50% major | Employee-paid premiums | $1,000 annual maximum benefit |
| Vision Insurance (VSP) | Eye exams, lenses, frames with $20 copay | Minimal employee cost | Annual coverage |
| Life Insurance | $10,000 basic coverage (employer-paid) | Free | Additional coverage purchasable |
| Retirement (Teachers Retirement System) | Defined benefit pension plan | 6% of gross salary (pre-tax) | Vested after 10 years |
| Supplemental Retirement | 403(b) and 457 plans available | Employee-funded | Tax-deferred savings |
| Pension Formula | 60% of average highest salary after 30 years | Mandatory participation | Guaranteed monthly benefit |
| Sick Leave | 10 days annually (cumulative) | N/A | Can be applied to service time |
| Personal Leave | Standard district allocation | N/A | Per handbook guidelines |
| Paid Holidays | School calendar holidays | N/A | Summer compensation continues |
| Professional Development | Ongoing training opportunities | District-funded | Career advancement support |
| Tuition Assistance | Available for advanced degrees | Varies by program | Supports salary advancement |
Data sources: Atlanta Public Schools Benefits Information, APS Human Resources Portal, Glassdoor employee benefit reviews
The APS benefits package extends well beyond base salary compensation, creating a total rewards system that addresses educators’ financial security across multiple dimensions. Health insurance through the State Health Benefit Plan of Georgia provides teachers with access to three major carriers offering various plan structures including traditional HMOs, PPOs, and high-deductible health plans paired with health savings accounts. The state’s $244 million allocation for teacher health insurance in the 2025 fiscal year ensures that coverage quality remains strong without shifting increased premium costs to educators.
Retirement security represents perhaps the most valuable long-term benefit for career educators. The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia operates as a traditional defined-benefit pension plan, guaranteeing qualifying teachers a monthly income for life after retirement. Teachers contribute 6% of their gross salary (pre-tax) throughout their careers, with the state and district making substantial employer contributions as well. To qualify for full retirement benefits, teachers must accumulate 30 years of creditable service or reach age 60 with at least 10 years of service. The pension formula calculates retirement income as approximately 60% of the average of the highest two consecutive years of salary earnings.
APS Special Education and STEM Teacher Salaries in the US 2025
| Specialized Position | Salary Range | Additional Stipends | Retention Incentives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teacher | $63,000 – $90,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 annually | Hard-to-fill bonus eligible |
| STEM Teacher (Math/Science) | $62,000 – $88,000 | $1,500 – $4,000 annually | Shortage area incentives |
| ESL/ESOL Teacher | $62,000 – $86,000 | $1,500 – $3,500 annually | Bilingual certification bonus |
| Career/Technical Education | $64,000 – $92,000 | $2,000 – $4,500 annually | Industry certification bonuses |
| Gifted Education Specialist | $63,000 – $87,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 annually | Advanced certification required |
| Literacy Coach | $68,000 – $95,000 | Coaching stipend included | Leadership track position |
| Instructional Coach | $66,000 – $92,000 | Additional stipend provided | Master’s degree preferred |
Note: Ranges reflect base salary plus typical stipends. Actual compensation varies by experience and credentials.
Data sources: Atlanta Public Schools Supplemental Pay Schedule 2024-2025, Teacher.org Atlanta metro salary data, Bureau of Labor Statistics special education teacher data
Teachers in specialized high-need areas receive additional compensation reflecting both the scarcity of qualified candidates and the additional certifications or expertise required for these positions. Special education teachers, who work with students requiring individualized education programs and specialized interventions, typically earn supplemental stipends ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 beyond their base salary. These positions demand specialized credentials, ongoing professional development, and often involve managing complex legal requirements associated with special education law compliance.
STEM teachers addressing critical shortage areas in mathematics and science receive similar preferential treatment. The district allocated $8.2 million specifically for retention incentives targeting hard-to-fill subject areas and high-needs schools. This funding pool supports sign-on bonuses for mid-year hires, retention payments for teachers who commit to multi-year contracts in shortage areas, and work visa sponsorship for internationally-recruited STEM educators. The emphasis on competitive compensation for STEM teachers reflects nationwide competition for educators with strong mathematics and science backgrounds, who often have lucrative private-sector career alternatives.
APS Administrative and Support Salary Comparison in the US 2025
| Position | Salary Range | Experience Required | Educational Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Principal (Elementary) | $85,000 – $115,000 | 5+ years teaching | Master’s + admin certification |
| School Principal (Middle School) | $90,000 – $120,000 | 5+ years teaching | Master’s + admin certification |
| School Principal (High School) | $95,000 – $130,000 | 7+ years teaching/admin | Master’s/Ed.D + certification |
| Assistant Principal | $72,000 – $95,000 | 3+ years teaching | Master’s + admin certification |
| Instructional Supervisor | $75,000 – $100,000 | 5+ years teaching | Master’s/Specialist degree |
| School Counselor | $58,000 – $82,000 | Certification required | Master’s in counseling |
| School Psychologist | $65,000 – $95,000 | State licensure | Master’s/Specialist/Ph.D. |
| Media Specialist/Librarian | $57,000 – $78,000 | Media certification | Master’s in library science |
| Paraprofessional | $32,000 – $45,000 | High school diploma | Additional training preferred |
| Bus Driver | $35,000 – $48,000 | CDL with passenger endorsement | Clean driving record |
| Custodian | $30,000 – $42,000 | No degree required | Facilities experience preferred |
| School Nurse | $55,000 – $75,000 | RN licensure | Bachelor’s in nursing |
Data sources: Atlanta Public Schools Non-Teacher Salary Schedules 2024-2025, Glassdoor administrative salary data, Teacher.org metro Atlanta data
Administrative positions within APS follow a structured salary schedule separate from the teacher compensation framework. School principals represent the highest-paid positions at individual school sites, with salaries reflecting the substantial leadership responsibilities, extended work calendars, and accountability pressures associated with these roles. Elementary school principals typically work 210-220 days annually compared to teachers’ 190-day contracts, with middle and high school principals often working 220-231 days. High school principals command the highest administrative salaries, ranging from $95,000 to $130,000, reflecting the complexity of managing larger student populations, more diverse programming, and expanded extracurricular operations.
The district’s 2025 budget included significant attention to frontline support staff who directly impact daily school operations. Bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals received 10% salary increases, while school nurses saw 1-2% raises beyond standard step increases. These adjustments recognize that competitive compensation for support staff reduces turnover and maintains operational stability. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson emphasized that “this year, we’ve really focused on our frontline groups that weren’t as addressed in previous cycles,” acknowledging that previous salary enhancement efforts had concentrated primarily on certified teaching staff.
Cost of Living Considerations for APS Teachers in Atlanta 2025
| Expense Category | Monthly Average | Annual Cost | % of Entry Salary ($61,816) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom apartment) | $1,400 – $1,800 | $16,800 – $21,600 | 27-35% |
| Housing (2-bedroom apartment) | $1,700 – $2,300 | $20,400 – $27,600 | 33-45% |
| Transportation (car + insurance) | $450 – $650 | $5,400 – $7,800 | 9-13% |
| Food (single person) | $350 – $500 | $4,200 – $6,000 | 7-10% |
| Utilities (electric, water, internet) | $180 – $280 | $2,160 – $3,360 | 4-5% |
| Healthcare (post-insurance costs) | $150 – $300 | $1,800 – $3,600 | 3-6% |
| Student Loan Payment (average) | $200 – $400 | $2,400 – $4,800 | 4-8% |
| Estimated Total Monthly Expenses | $3,430 – $6,230 | $41,160 – $74,760 | 67-121% |
| Take-home Pay (after taxes/benefits) | $3,860 (estimated) | $46,320 | 75% of gross |
Note: Expense estimates based on Atlanta metro area averages. Individual costs vary by lifestyle, location within metro, and family size.
Data sources: Numbeo Cost of Living Database Atlanta 2025, Apartment Guide Atlanta rental data, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index
Cost of living realities significantly impact the practical purchasing power of APS teacher salaries. While the $61,816 starting salary represents a competitive figure compared to other Georgia districts, Atlanta’s status as a major metropolitan area creates housing costs substantially higher than rural or small-town locations. A single teacher seeking a one-bedroom apartment in neighborhoods convenient to school locations typically faces monthly rents between $1,400 and $1,800, consuming approximately 27-35% of gross income before considering utilities, transportation, and other living expenses.
The financial calculus becomes more favorable for teachers as they advance through the salary schedule. A mid-career teacher earning $72,000 annually with a master’s degree sees housing costs drop to 23-30% of gross income for the same apartment, creating more financial breathing room. Teachers at the higher end of the pay scale earning $85,000 to $107,000 find Atlanta’s cost of living much more manageable, with housing representing just 19-25% of gross income. This progression demonstrates why career longevity and professional development investments become financially rewarding over time, as salary growth outpaces inflation and living cost increases.
APS Teacher Salary Historical Progression in the US (2020-2025)
| Fiscal Year | Base Starting Salary | Year-over-Year Increase | State Supplement | Total Starting Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | $51,048 | N/A (baseline) | $3,000 | $54,048 |
| 2020-2021 | $53,048 | $2,000 (+3.9%) | Included in base | $53,048 |
| 2021-2022 | $53,048 | $0 (0%) | $1,000 bonus | $54,048 (with bonus) |
| 2022-2023 | $55,048 | $2,000 (+3.8%) | $1,000 bonus | $56,048 (with bonus) |
| 2023-2024 | $57,048 | $2,000 (+3.6%) | $1,000 bonus | $58,048 (with bonus) |
| 2024-2025 | $61,816 | $4,768 (+8.4%) | $2,500 | $64,316 |
| Total 5-Year Growth | +$10,768 | +21.1% | +$1,500 supplement | +18.9% (total comp) |
Data sources: Atlanta Public Schools Historical Salary Schedules, Georgia Education Budget Documents 2020-2025, news reporting on annual salary adjustments
The five-year trajectory of APS teacher salaries reveals sustained commitment to compensation improvement, with particularly dramatic acceleration in the 2024-2025 academic year. From the 2019-2020 baseline starting salary of $51,048, the district has implemented increases in four of the five subsequent years, culminating in the historic $4,768 raise (+8.4%) for 2024-2025. When factoring in the additional $2,500 state supplement, entry-level teachers saw their total starting compensation jump from $58,048 to $64,316, representing an 11% single-year increase when all components are considered.
Governor Kemp’s administration has systematically prioritized educator compensation since 2020, implementing a $3,000 salary increase in FY2020, followed by $2,000 raises in both FY2023 and FY2024, and culminating with the $2,500 supplement for FY2025. Combined with district-level raises, APS teachers have seen cumulative compensation growth of 21.1% over five years in base salary alone. However, when adjusted for inflation over the same period, the real purchasing power gains prove more modest. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute notes that if teacher salaries had kept pace with inflation since 2007, today’s educators would earn approximately $7,900 more annually than current schedules provide, indicating that recent raises partially address but haven’t fully eliminated the erosion of real wages over longer timeframes.
APS New Teacher Recruitment and Retention in the US 2025
| Recruitment Metric | 2025 Data | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| New Teachers Hired 2025 | 180 teachers | Part of 270 total new employees |
| Recruitment Budget | $8.2 million | Visa sponsorship + incentives |
| Early Hiring Bonuses | $1,000 – $3,000 | For hard-to-fill positions |
| Retention Bonus (High-Need Schools) | $2,000 – $5,000 | Annual for commitment to 3+ years |
| Work Visa Sponsorship | Available | For international STEM teachers |
| Alternative Certification Support | Provided | For career-changers |
| Teacher Attrition Rate | 12-15% (estimated) | Lower than state average 18% |
| Average Years of Service | 8-12 years | Mid-career workforce |
| Teachers with Master’s Degrees | 55-60% | Above state average of 48% |
| National Board Certified Teachers | 8-10% | Higher than state 5% average |
Data sources: Atlanta Public Schools HR data 2025, Georgia Professional Standards Commission, National Center for Education Statistics
Atlanta Public Schools has strategically invested in both recruitment and retention initiatives to build a stable, experienced teaching corps. The district welcomed 180 new teachers for the 2025-2026 school year as part of a larger cohort of 270 new employees across all positions. New employee orientation, held at North Atlanta High School in July 2025, emphasized the district’s commitment to supporting educators through comprehensive onboarding, mentoring programs, and ongoing professional development. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson reinforced the message that “we know a big part of our job is to care for and support people because the better we care for and support our people, the better they’re going to be for us.”
The $8.2 million recruitment and retention budget demonstrates the district’s recognition that competitive salaries alone don’t guarantee workforce stability. Early hiring incentives ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 help APS secure committed teachers before the competitive summer hiring season peaks. Retention bonuses for teachers serving in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas create financial incentives for experienced educators to remain in challenging assignments rather than transferring to more affluent school sites. The district’s willingness to sponsor work visas for internationally-recruited teachers expands the candidate pool, particularly for STEM positions where domestic supply consistently falls short of demand.
APS Teacher Salary vs. National Averages in the US 2025
| Comparison Point | APS District | Georgia Statewide | National Average | APS vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $61,816 | $43,592 (state min) | $44,530 | +38.8% above national |
| Average Salary (All Experience) | $65,076 | $60,000 – $62,000 | $68,469 | -4.9% below national |
| Top Salary (Experienced) | $85,000 – $107,000 | $75,000 – $95,000 | $95,000 – $110,000 | Competitive with national |
| Average Raise 2024-2025 | 11% | $2,500 (state) | 2-4% | Substantially above national |
| State Ranking (Starting) | Top 10% in Georgia | 39th nationally | N/A | Above average in-state |
| State Ranking (Average) | Top 5% in Georgia | 20th nationally | N/A | Competitive mid-tier nationally |
| Health Benefits Coverage | State SHBP | Variable by district | Variable by district | Standard Georgia coverage |
| Pension Benefits | TRS defined benefit | TRS defined benefit | Variable 35% defined benefit | Above average pension security |
Data sources: National Education Association Rankings and Estimates 2024-2025, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, state education department salary surveys
APS teacher salaries present a complex picture when compared to national benchmarks. The district’s $61,816 starting salary positions new teachers 38.8% above the national average of $44,530 for entry-level educators, creating a substantial competitive advantage in recruiting early-career talent. However, Georgia’s overall ranking of 39th for starting salaries and 20th for average salaries nationally reveals significant interstate variation, with APS functioning as a high-paying outlier within a state whose overall educator compensation lags behind national leaders like New York, California, and Massachusetts.
The national average teacher salary across all experience levels reaches approximately $68,469, slightly exceeding APS’s current $65,076 average. This gap reflects the comparative youth of the APS teaching workforce and the district’s recent aggressive recruitment efforts, which have brought many early-career teachers into the system. As these educators accumulate experience and move up the salary schedule, the district average should converge with or potentially exceed national norms. The 11% average raise implemented for 2024-2025 far surpasses the typical 2-4% annual increases seen nationally, suggesting that APS is working to close historical compensation gaps and position itself more competitively in the national marketplace for teaching talent.
Budget Priorities Supporting APS Teacher Compensation in the US 2025
| Budget Category | 2025 Allocation | Purpose | Impact on Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Salaries | $58.9 million increase | Direct compensation raises | 11% average salary increase |
| Readers are Leaders Initiative | $11.8 million | Literacy programs | Literacy coaches in all 55 elementary schools |
| Special Education | $9 million | SPED programming | Additional support staff, competitive SPED salaries |
| In-House Nutrition Program | $15.4 million | School meal services | Improved student nutrition, staff employment |
| Safety and Security | $720,000 | Campus security upgrades | Safer work environment for educators |
| School Transportation | $204 million (state) | Bus fleet expansion | Improved student attendance, driver pay raises |
| School Safety Grants | $104 million (state) | $45,000 per school | Enhanced security infrastructure |
| Health Insurance | $242 million increase (state) | Teacher healthcare costs | No increased premiums for teachers |
| Professional Development | $1.5 million | Leadership and training | Career advancement opportunities |
| Early Care and Learning | $48 million (state lottery) | Pre-K program expansion | Pre-K teacher parity with K-12 salaries |
Data sources: Atlanta Public Schools FY2025 Budget Documents, Georgia State Budget FY2025, Board of Education Budget Presentations
The Atlanta Public Schools 2025 budget reflects a comprehensive approach to education funding that extends beyond simple salary increases. The $11.8 million Readers are Leaders initiative championed by Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson places literacy coaches in all 55 elementary schools, creating career advancement opportunities for experienced teachers while addressing critical student achievement gaps. These coaching positions typically pay $68,000 to $95,000 annually, offering classroom teachers pathways to increased compensation without leaving direct student instruction entirely.
State-level budget priorities complement district investments. Governor Kemp’s FY2025 education budget included $242 million specifically to cover rising health insurance costs for teachers, preventing premium increases that would have effectively reduced take-home pay gains from salary raises. The $104 million School Safety Grant program provides $45,000 to each of Georgia’s 2,300 public schools, funding security infrastructure improvements that create safer working environments for educators. Meanwhile, the $204 million investment in school transportation expanded the state’s bus fleet and supported the 10% salary increases APS provided to bus drivers, recognizing these frontline workers as essential to daily school operations.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
