Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in Portland, OR-WA

In Portland, OR-WA, secondary school teachers, except those in special and career/technical education, earn a median annual salary of $86,770. This figure is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $64,580, illustrating a regional premium for educators in this area. When compared to the local median household income of $94,573, teachers’ earnings are competitive and slightly below the typical family income. Despite Portland's relatively low unemployment rate of 4.00%, secondary school teachers enjoy stable employment opportunities with an estimated workforce of approximately 5,940 individuals.

The pay scale for entry-level versus experienced secondary school teachers in Portland shows notable differences, reflective of factors such as tenure, education level, and additional certifications. Those at the lower end of the spectrum, represented by the 10th percentile, earn about $52,850 annually, while those just starting out tend to align closer with this figure or slightly above it. In contrast, teachers in the upper echelons, particularly within the 75th percentile, command salaries around $100,220, a stark difference driven largely by years of experience and advanced qualifications. Additionally, highly specialized skills and roles can push earnings up to the 90th percentile mark of approximately $126,700. These salary variations underscore how professional growth and further education significantly enhance earning potential within this field.