Physical Education Teacher - Salary Overview

Gym teachers have their work cut out for them. As childhood obesity rates continue to climb, getting kids interested in physical activity is more important than ever. And in the age of video games and text messaging, motivating kids may also be more challenging than ever. Becoming a physical education teacher is a great career choice for someone who loves to teach and is truly excited about sports and fitness. Gym teachers have the unique opportunity to inspire kids and move them toward healthier lifestyles. Many aspiring physical education teachers are concerned about salary, and for good reason - the elementary school teacher average salary is relatively low in many areas. A gym teacher salary is subject to the same factors that influence all teacher salaries, including location, school district, experience level, and more. Gym teachers may also face some of the same challenges as other teachers, such as crowded classrooms and decreasing budgets. That said, working in physical education can be very rewarding; few things are more rewarding than helping children achieve their goals.

Researching Gym Teacher Salary Data

Regional differences always exist when it comes to teaching salaries, and a gym teacher salary range is no exception. Comparing Gym Teacher Salary by State, we can see that New York is in the top spot while New Jersey teacher salaries fall in second place. In the Gym Teacher Salary by City chart, however, Chicago and Philadelphia are the leaders. For a gym teacher, salary clearly varies from place to place. This is one reason why doing a little salary research can go a long way; the more information you have, the more informed decisions you can make about your teaching career. Another factor to consider is cost of living. New York City might offer a higher gym teacher salary than Miami, but how do the cities compare when it comes to cost of living? Use PayScale's cost of living calculator to compare both Cost of Living and Gym Teacher Salary data for various U.S. cities.

Turning to the Gym Teacher Salary by Degree/Major Subject chart, you'll notice that earning a master's degree doesn't guarantee a higher gym teacher salary. Most teachers will have completed similar requirements to enter the profession, but much of what makes someone a good teacher will be learned on the job. Just as learning a sport requires practice, teaching is a skill that develops over time. It's no surprise, then, that the Gym Teacher Salary by Years Experience chart shows a steady increase in teacher salaries over time. The value of experience is also indicated in the Gym Teacher Salary by Age report, which shows that younger teachers tend to earn lower salaries.

To further your research, see how a physical education teacher salary compares to the median Salary of a High School Coach. For more on coaching and teacher salaries, read the Ask Dr. Salary post, "Salary for Teachers vs. Average Pay for High School Coaches" in the PayScale blogs section.