HISD Teacher Salary in US 2025 | Statistics & Facts

HISD Teacher Salary in US 2025 | Statistics & Facts

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HISD Teacher Salary in America 2025

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) stands as the largest school district in Texas and the eighth-largest in the United States, employing over 27,000 staff members including more than 10,000 teachers across 276 schools serving approximately 194,000 students. As of 2025, HISD has implemented a comprehensive compensation structure that positions the district as a competitive employer in the national education landscape. The district’s salary framework reflects significant strategic investments in educator compensation, with starting teacher salaries of $64,000 for traditional Per Unit Allocation (PUA) schools and specialized pay scales reaching up to $90,000 for certain New Education System (NES) positions.

The 2025-2026 compensation plan, which became effective July 1, 2025, represents a transformative shift toward performance-based compensation models while maintaining competitive base salaries that exceed both state and national averages. HISD’s average teacher salary currently stands at approximately $69,950, reflecting an 11% increase since the state takeover in 2023. This strategic compensation approach aims to attract and retain highly effective educators while addressing critical staffing needs in underserved communities. The district distinguishes itself through differentiated pay structures that account for experience levels, school types (NES versus PUA campuses), subject specializations, and performance evaluations, creating a multifaceted compensation system designed to reward excellence and support district transformation goals.

Interesting Facts About HISD Teacher Salary in the US 2025

Fact Category Details
Highest Starting Salary NES schools offer up to $90,000 starting salary for English I Pre-AP teachers with 0-2 years of experience
Base Starting Salary $64,000 for certified teachers in PUA schools, $63,000 for non-certified teachers
Average District Salary HISD average teacher pay is $69,950, compared to Texas state average of $57,761
Experience-Based Range PUA teacher salaries range from $64,000 (0 years) to $89,500 (40 years experience)
Special Education Premium NES Special Education teachers earn $86,000-$92,000 depending on experience
Performance Bonuses Teachers can earn $500-$2,500 in performance-based merit increases based on T-TESS ratings
Bilingual Stipend Certified bilingual education teachers receive an additional $5,000 annual stipend
NES School Premium Teachers in NES schools earn $3,000-$9,000 more annually depending on subject taught
Future Pay-for-Performance Starting 2026-2027, salaries will range from $64,000-$101,000 based on performance ratings
Substitute Teacher Pay Certified substitute teachers earn $20.00 per hour, with long-term assignments at $21.00 per hour

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2025

The data reveals HISD’s strategic compensation approach that significantly exceeds Texas averages. While the state’s average teacher salary is $57,761, HISD provides a minimum starting salary of $64,000, representing a 10.8% premium over the state average. The district’s highest-paying positions in NES schools offer starting salaries of $90,000, which is 55.8% higher than the Texas state average. This substantial differential demonstrates HISD’s commitment to competitive compensation in the nation’s fourth-largest city.

The performance-based merit increase structure provides tangible financial rewards for teaching excellence. Teachers evaluated under the T-TESS system can earn between $500 (Progressing I) and $2,500 (Exemplary I) in annual bonuses at PUA schools, while NES teachers receive half the amount ($250-$1,250) as they already benefit from elevated base salaries. Special education teachers receive significant compensation premiums, with NES special education positions starting at $86,000 compared to $80,000 for PUA schools, reflecting the district’s recognition of high-demand specialized skills and challenging working conditions in special education environments.

HISD Starting Teacher Salary by School Type in the US 2025

School Type Certified Teacher (0 years) Certified Teacher (3-4 years) Certified Teacher (5+ years) Non-Certified Teacher
PUA Traditional Schools $64,000 $65,500 $66,000 $63,000
NES Elementary $70,000-$86,000 $74,000-$90,000 $76,000-$92,000 $67,500-$83,500
NES Middle School $65,000-$86,000 $69,000-$90,000 $71,000-$92,000 $62,500-$83,500
NES High School $70,000-$90,000 $74,000-$94,000 $76,000-$96,000 $67,500-$87,500

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan

The salary structure demonstrates HISD’s dual compensation framework separating traditional PUA schools from the 130 NES campuses implementing the district’s reform model. PUA teachers follow an experience-based salary schedule where a starting teacher earns $64,000, increasing to $65,500 at three years and $66,000 at five years of experience. The incremental increases continue through 40 years of experience, reaching a maximum of $89,500 for the most veteran educators.

NES schools operate under a differentiated “hospital model” that pays teachers based on grade level, subject area, and years of experience. Elementary NES teachers in foundational grades (Pre-K through 1st grade) start at $70,000, while specialized positions like 3rd-5th grade ELA teachers earn $80,000 starting salaries. Middle school NES positions range from $65,000 for elective teachers to $86,000 for 6th grade ELA instructors. High school NES teachers command the highest salaries, with critical subjects like English I/II and Algebra starting at $90,000 for new teachers, reflecting the district’s strategic prioritization of foundational literacy and numeracy instruction in secondary education.

HISD Teacher Salary by Experience Level in the US 2025

Years of Experience PUA 10-Month Salary PUA 11-Month Salary PUA 12-Month Salary Special Education 10-Month
0 years $64,000 $70,845 $77,690 $80,000
5 years $66,000 $73,059 $80,118 $83,333
10 years $69,000 $76,380 $83,759 $86,667
15 years $72,000 $79,701 $87,401 $90,000
20 years $74,500 $82,468 $90,436 $90,000
30 years $82,000 $90,770 $99,540 $90,000
40 years $89,500 $99,072 $108,644 $90,000

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan, PUA Teacher Placement Table

The experience-based progression reveals HISD’s commitment to retaining veteran educators. A teacher with 10 years of experience earns $69,000 on a 10-month contract, representing a 7.8% increase from starting salary. By 20 years, salaries reach $74,500, a 16.4% increase over entry-level compensation. The most significant jumps occur between 25 and 30 years of experience, where salaries increase from $77,500 to $82,000, a 5.8% raise recognizing senior educators’ expertise.

Teachers working extended contracts receive proportional compensation increases. An 11-month contract provides approximately 10.7% additional compensation, while a 12-month contract offers approximately 21.4% more than the base 10-month salary. For example, a 10-year veteran earns $69,000 on 10 months, $76,380 on 11 months, or $83,759 on 12 months. Special education teachers follow a different trajectory, with salaries capping at $90,000 for those with 15 or more years of experience, though they start at the significantly higher base of $80,000, providing $16,000 more than general education starting teachers.

NES Elementary School Teacher Salary in the US 2025

Position 0-2 Years Experience 3-4 Years Experience 5+ Years Experience
Pre-K/Kindergarten/1st Grade $70,000 $74,000 $76,000
2nd Grade ELA/Science of Reading $73,000 $77,000 $79,000
3rd-5th Grade ELA/Science of Reading $80,000-$83,000 $84,000-$87,000 $86,000-$89,000
3rd-5th Grade Math $75,000 $79,000 $81,000
3rd-5th Grade Art of Thinking $80,000 $84,000 $86,000
Elective Teachers $64,000 $68,000 $70,000
Special Education $86,000 $90,000 $92,000
ELD Interventionist $75,000 $79,000 $81,000

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan, NES Elementary Salary Tables

NES elementary schools prioritize literacy instruction through substantially elevated compensation for English Language Arts positions. Teachers in 3rd-5th grade ELA roles earn $80,000-$83,000 starting salaries, representing a 25-29.7% premium over the traditional PUA starting salary of $64,000. This strategic investment reflects research-based priorities emphasizing early literacy development, with Science of Reading positions receiving identical compensation to standard ELA roles.

Mathematics instruction receives moderate premiums, with 3rd-5th grade math teachers earning $75,000 starting salaries, $5,000-$8,000 less than their ELA counterparts but still 17.2% above PUA baselines. The Art of Thinking curriculum, focused on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, commands $80,000 starting salaries across 3rd-5th grades. Foundation grades (Pre-K through 1st) maintain $70,000 starting salaries, while 2nd grade positions increase to $73,000 for ELA/Science of Reading roles. Special education teachers earn the highest elementary salaries at $86,000-$92,000, reflecting both high-demand shortages and specialized certification requirements.

NES Middle School Teacher Salary in the US 2025

Position 0-2 Years Experience 3-4 Years Experience 5+ Years Experience
6th Grade ELA $86,000 $90,000 $92,000
7th-8th Grade ELA $84,000 $88,000 $90,000
6th-8th Grade Math $81,000 $85,000 $87,000
6th-8th Grade Science $81,000 $85,000 $87,000
Art of Thinking (All Grades) $83,000 $87,000 $89,000
6th-8th Grade Social Studies $74,000 $78,000 $80,000
Elective Teachers $65,000 $69,000 $71,000
LOTE (Unique Position) $83,000 $87,000 $89,000
Special Education $86,000 $90,000 $92,000

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan, NES Middle School Salary Tables

Middle school compensation reveals subject-area prioritization aligned with state testing requirements and college readiness goals. 6th grade ELA teachers command the highest middle school salaries at $86,000-$92,000, matching special education compensation levels. 7th and 8th grade ELA positions earn slightly less at $84,000-$90,000, while mathematics and science teachers across all middle school grades receive uniform $81,000-$87,000 compensation packages.

Social studies teachers earn significantly less at $74,000-$80,000, representing a $10,000-$12,000 gap compared to their ELA counterparts, despite requiring similar certification levels. This 14-15% salary differential reflects state accountability priorities emphasizing literacy and STEM achievement. Languages Other Than English (LOTE) positions, which include both Spanish and non-Spanish language courses, earn $83,000-$89,000, recognizing bilingual education demands. Elective teachers (fine arts, physical education, etc.) start at $65,000, approximately $20,000 less than 6th grade ELA instructors, creating substantial compensation disparities within the same building.

NES High School Teacher Salary in the US 2025

Position Category 0-2 Years Experience 3-4 Years Experience 5+ Years Experience
English I/II (Core & PreAP) $90,000 $94,000 $96,000
English III/IV & AP $88,000 $92,000 $94,000
Algebra/Strategic Math/PreAP $90,000 $94,000 $96,000
Algebra II/Pre-Cal (Standard & PreAP) $83,000 $87,000 $89,000
Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) $83,000 $87,000 $89,000
Art of Thinking $85,000 $89,000 $91,000
Social Sciences (History, Gov, Econ) $76,000-$83,000 $80,000-$87,000 $82,000-$89,000
LOTE Languages $76,000-$85,000 $80,000-$89,000 $82,000-$91,000
CTE Foundational Programs $81,000 $85,000 $87,000
Fine Arts, ROTC, Electives $70,000 $74,000 $76,000

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan, NES High School Salary Tables

High school compensation structures reflect college readiness imperatives and foundational skill priorities. English I/II teachers and Algebra/Strategic Math instructors receive the highest salaries at $90,000-$96,000, as these courses represent critical gatekeeper subjects determining graduation rates and college eligibility. Teachers delivering these foundational courses earn 28.6% more than elective teachers and 40.6% above the state average starting salary.

Advanced coursework commands slightly lower but still substantial compensation, with English III/IV and AP courses paying $88,000-$94,000. Science teachers across biology, chemistry, and physics earn uniform $83,000-$89,000 salaries regardless of subject, while Algebra II and Pre-Calculus positions receive identical compensation. Social studies positions vary widely from $76,000 for basic coursework to $83,000 for AP US History, creating $7,000-$10,000 gaps within departments. CTE Foundational Programs (Entrepreneurship, Health Informatics, Distribution/Logistics, Networking) earn $81,000-$87,000, with specialized roles like CTE Automotive (11-month contract) and CTE Agriculture Lead (12-month contract) receiving proportionally higher annual compensation.

HISD Administrative & Support Staff Salary in the US 2025

Position Salary Range Midpoint
Elementary Principal $110,000-$160,000 Based on LEAD evaluation rating
Middle School Principal $120,000-$170,000 Based on LEAD evaluation rating
High School Principal $130,000-$180,000 Based on LEAD evaluation rating
Elementary Assistant Principal $80,000-$130,000 Based on LEAD evaluation rating
Middle School Assistant Principal $85,000-$135,000 Based on LEAD evaluation rating
High School Assistant Principal $90,000-$140,000 Based on LEAD evaluation rating
Principal Apprentice $100,000 Fixed annual rate
Counselor (Elementary NES) $80,000-$86,000 Based on experience
Counselor (Middle School NES) $88,000-$94,000 Based on experience
Counselor (High School NES) $90,000-$96,000 Based on experience

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan, Principal Pay Tables

Administrative compensation reflects leadership effectiveness through the LEAD evaluation system. Principals receive differentiated salaries across seven performance levels (Novice, Progressing I & II, Proficient I & II, Exemplary I & II), with effectiveness ratings based on two-year average evaluations. Elementary principals range from $110,000 (Novice) to $160,000 (Exemplary II), while high school principals span $130,000-$180,000, recognizing increased complexity managing larger student populations and more diverse programming.

Assistant principals follow parallel structures with $10,000 lower compensation at each level compared to principals. Outside principal hires with three or more years of prior principal experience start at Progressing II rather than Novice level, providing experienced administrators immediate salary recognition. The Principal Apprentice program offers a fixed $100,000 annual salary across all grade levels, creating a competitive pipeline development program. School counselors earn $80,000-$96,000 depending on grade level and experience, with high school counselors commanding the highest compensation reflecting increased college/career counseling responsibilities. Lead Counselors at high schools earn $95,000-$101,000, providing career progression opportunities within counseling specializations.

Comparison: HISD vs Texas vs National Teacher Salary in the US 2025

Category HISD Texas State Average National Average HISD Premium vs State HISD Premium vs National
Starting Salary $64,000 $48,526 $46,526 +31.9% +37.5%
Average Salary $69,950 $62,463 $72,030 +12.0% -2.9%
NES Starting Range $64,000-$90,000 N/A N/A +31.9% to +85.4% +37.5% to +93.5%
Special Education Starting $80,000-$86,000 N/A N/A +64.9% to +77.2% +71.9% to +84.8%
Experienced (10 years) $69,000 ~$56,300 ~$66,000 +22.6% +4.5%
Maximum Salary (40 years) $89,500 ~$57,761 N/A +55.0% N/A

Data sources: Houston ISD 2025-2026 Compensation Plan; National Education Association 2025; Texas Association of School Boards 2025

HISD significantly outperforms Texas state averages in starting teacher compensation, offering $64,000 compared to the state’s $48,526 average, representing a substantial $15,474 premium or 31.9% higher starting salary. This competitive positioning helps HISD recruit teachers in the competitive Houston metropolitan market where cost of living exceeds many Texas regions. The district’s highest NES positions starting at $90,000 represent an extraordinary 85.4% premium over state averages, positioning HISD among the highest-paying major urban districts nationally.

However, HISD’s overall average teacher salary of $69,950 falls slightly below the $72,030 national average by 2.9%, reflecting the district’s relatively young teaching workforce due to recent hiring surges and turnover from state takeover restructuring. Texas as a whole ranks 31st nationally in average teacher salary at $62,463, placing the state significantly below coastal regions like New York ($92,222), California ($87,275), and Massachusetts ($88,903). HISD’s strategic salary structure prioritizes competitive entry-level compensation to attract new talent while building toward higher career earnings through experience-based progression and performance incentives that will fully implement in 2026-2027.

HISD Performance-Based Pay Structure Coming in 2026-2027

Performance Level Base Salary Range Annual Difference Percentage of Teachers (Target)
Unsatisfactory $64,000 N/A 5%
Progressing I $68,000 +$4,000 15%
Progressing II $72,000 +$4,000 20%
Proficient I $78,000 +$6,000 20%
Proficient II $84,000 +$6,000 20%
Exemplary I $91,000 +$7,000 15%
Exemplary II (starts 2028) $95,000 +$4,000 5%

Data source: Houston ISD Pay-for-Performance Announcement, April 2025

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, HISD will implement the nation’s largest pay-for-performance compensation system affecting over 10,000 teachers. The 2025-2026 school year serves as the evaluation baseline, with teachers assessed using the Teacher Excellence System (TES) to determine their 2026-2027 salaries. This represents a fundamental shift from experience-based progression to effectiveness-based compensation, with potential earnings ranging from $64,000 to $101,000 depending on performance ratings.

The system includes protective “hold harmless” provisions ensuring no teacher earns less than their current experience-based salary for up to four years, providing transition security while the new system establishes itself. Teachers can move only one performance level per year (up or down), preventing dramatic year-to-year salary fluctuations. The district targets a “bell curve” distribution with 60% of teachers achieving Proficient or Exemplary ratings, 35% at Progressing levels, and 5% Unsatisfactory. NES teachers will receive additional $3,000-$9,000 annual premiums depending on subject matter, maintaining the hospital model differentiation. Critics, including the Houston Education Association, express concerns about potential negative impacts on teacher collaboration and the 20% cap on top-tier ratings, though district leadership argues the system will reward excellence and drive instructional improvement.

HISD Teacher Benefits & Additional Compensation in the US 2025

Benefit Category Details Annual Value
Health Insurance Full medical benefits coverage Varies by plan selection
Life Insurance District-provided life insurance Included in benefits package
Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) State-funded performance bonuses Up to $32,000 annually
Bilingual Education Stipend For certified bilingual teachers at NES schools $5,000 annually
CTE Foundational Program Stipend Additional compensation for approved CTE programs $5,000 annually
Cell Phone Allowance For eligible positions (principals, directors) $75 per month ($900 annually)
Travel Allowance Based on role and travel requirements $2,400-$7,200 annually
Professional Development Days Paid time for professional learning Included in contract days
Retirement Contributions Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS) State-mandated contribution rates

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan

Beyond base salaries, HISD provides comprehensive benefits packages that significantly enhance total compensation value. The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, funded by the Texas state legislature through House Bill 3, provides substantial bonuses to teachers designated as highly effective through state evaluation systems. Eligible teachers can earn up to $32,000 in additional annual compensation, though actual amounts vary based on designation levels (Recognized, Exemplary, Master) and campus demographics. This state-funded program operates independently from HISD’s local compensation decisions.

Specialized role stipends reward teachers serving in high-need areas. Certified bilingual education teachers at NES schools receive $5,000 annual stipends, recognizing Houston’s diverse multilingual student population where approximately 30% of students are English Language Learners. Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors in foundational programs (Entrepreneurship, Health Informatics, Distribution/Logistics, Networking) earn additional $5,000 stipends, addressing regional workforce development priorities. Administrative support includes cell phone allowances of $900 annually for principals and certain leadership positions, and travel allowances ranging from $2,400-$7,200 yearly depending on role requirements and geographic coverage responsibilities within the district’s 626-square-mile service area.

HISD Support Staff & Hourly Position Salary in the US 2025

Position Hourly Rate / Annual Salary Work Schedule
Bus Driver (Morning or Afternoon) $30.00 per hour Part-time
Bus Driver (Morning and Afternoon) $35.00 per hour Split shift
Nutrition Services Attendant $15.00 per hour Varies
Nutrition Services Team Lead $18.00 per hour Varies
Custodian $15.00 per hour Varies
Building Service Manager I $23.00 per hour Full-time
Building Service Manager II $25.00 per hour Full-time
Building Service Manager III $30.00 per hour Full-time
Police Officer (Entry Level) $54,000 (11-month) / $63,818 (12-month) Full-time
Police Sergeant $90,000-$106,000 Full-time

Data source: Houston Independent School District 2025-2026 Compensation Plan, Fixed Hourly Rates Tables

Support staff compensation reflects HISD’s commitment to competitive wages exceeding local and state minimum standards. Bus drivers earn $30.00-$35.00 per hour depending on shift configurations, with drivers working both morning and afternoon routes receiving $5.00 more per hour than single-shift drivers. This positions HISD as a competitive employer in Houston’s transportation labor market where commercial driver shortages affect multiple industries.

Facilities and nutrition staff follow structured hourly scales with clear advancement pathways. Entry-level custodians and nutrition services attendants start at $15.00 per hour, matching Texas minimum wage requirements for large employers while providing benefits access and professional development opportunities. Team leads in nutrition services earn $18.00 per hour, representing a 20% premium for supervisory responsibilities. Building Service Managers progress through three levels ($23.00, $25.00, $30.00 per hour), with Building Service Manager III positions earning double the entry custodian rate, incentivizing career progression within facilities management.

HISD Police Department salaries follow law enforcement market standards, with entry-level officers earning $54,000-$63,818 depending on contract length (11 versus 12 months). Police sergeants command $90,000-$106,000 based on experience, while police captains earn $110,000-$126,000, creating competitive compensation packages that help recruit qualified law enforcement professionals to school environments. Officers receive additional $1,100 increments for TCOLE certifications at Intermediate, Advanced, and Master levels, incentivizing professional development and specialized training.

HISD vs Major Texas School Districts Salary Comparison 2025

School District Starting Salary Average Salary Student Enrollment Number of Teachers
Houston ISD $64,000 $69,950 194,000 10,000+
Dallas ISD $60,000 $64,000 (est.) 145,000 9,500+
Fort Worth ISD $63,000 $62,000 (est.) 80,000 5,200+
Austin ISD $52,000 $58,000 (est.) 75,000 5,800+
San Antonio ISD $51,000 $56,000 (est.) 48,000 3,500+
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD $61,500 $65,000 (est.) 116,000 8,000+
Katy ISD $61,000 $64,000 (est.) 90,000 6,500+

Data sources: Texas Education Agency 2024-2025 District Personnel Reports; Individual district compensation plans

HISD leads major Texas urban districts in starting teacher compensation at $64,000, exceeding Dallas ISD ($60,000), Fort Worth ISD ($63,000), and significantly surpassing Austin ISD ($52,000) and San Antonio ISD ($51,000). This $2,000-$13,000 advantage strengthens HISD’s competitive position recruiting teachers across Texas and nationally. However, wealthy suburban districts like Highland Park ISD, Eanes ISD, and Carroll ISD offer even higher average salaries ($75,000-$85,000) funded through substantial local property tax revenues unavailable to urban districts serving economically diverse populations.

Houston’s average salary of $69,950 leads major metropolitan districts but trails suburban counterparts. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Katy ISD, both Houston-area suburban districts, provide competitive $61,000-$61,500 starting salaries with lower cost-of-living expectations than urban Houston neighborhoods. The 11% average salary increase HISD achieved since 2023 represents aggressive efforts closing competitiveness gaps, though continued progress requires sustained funding commitment from state and local sources. Texas’s 32nd national ranking in average teacher pay creates statewide recruitment challenges all districts face, with HISD’s urban context requiring premium compensation offsetting higher living costs and more challenging student demographics compared to suburban alternatives.

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.

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