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Public School Teacher · Illinois

Teacher salary in Illinois

Teachers in Illinois earn a median $75,320 a year across all employers.

$75,320
median pay in IL, all employers
61,520
workers in IL (SOC 25-2021)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pay in Illinois, all employers Sourced

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021) in Illinois, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.

MeasureIL
Workers61,520
10th percentile$47,040
Median$75,320
90th percentile$105,250
National median, government employers$65,310

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pension in Illinois

Local employees: Public school teachers

PlanAccrualNormal retirementEmployee paysSocial Security
Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois - Tier 2
Tier 2
2.2%age 67 with 10 years of service9%Not covered

The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the Illinois pension plans list.

Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.

Employers in Illinois

855 school districts in Illinois, largest Chicago Public Schools Dist 299, SD U-46, Indian Prairie CUSD 204.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data, 2024–25 local education agency universe (directory and staff). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Free practice tests for Illinois

Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.

More about this job

Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Public School Teacher page.

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