Thinking about training to teach, but want to understand what you could earn and how your career could progress? Teaching offers a clear salary structure, strong long-term earning potential and a range of additional benefits that make it a rewarding career choice.

In this guide, we break down teacher salaries in England, progression opportunities and the benefits you can expect once you gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). If you are exploring routes into teaching, you can also learn more about our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) pathways.

How much to teachers earn in England? 

If you have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), your starting salary in England is typically £32,916 or more, depending on location and the type of school you work in. Schools in London offer higher salaries to reflect the cost of living.

Salaries vary across regions:

• England (excluding London): from £32,916
• London fringe: from £34,398
• Outer London: from £37,870
• Inner London: from £40,317

Most teachers move up the pay scale annually, depending on performance and school policies. After around five years, a typical teacher could earn £45,000 or more, with higher earnings in London.

Pay progression and career growth

Teaching offers structured progression with opportunities to increase your salary as you gain experience and take on additional responsibilities.

Teachers can move up the main pay range over time, and those who demonstrate strong performance may progress further into leadership or specialist roles.

You may also earn additional payments, including:

• Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments for extra duties such as leading a department or coordinating a subject
• SEN allowances for roles supporting pupils with special educational needs

These additional payments can significantly increase your overall earnings depending on your responsibilities.

Unqualified teacher salaries

If you do not yet have QTS or are training to teach via the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship route, you will be paid as an unqualified teacher. This comes with a lower salary range and fewer benefits compared to qualified teachers.

Typical unqualified teacher salaries in England range from:

• £22,601 to £35,259 (outside London)
• Up to £40,994 in Inner London

To access the full benefits of the profession, including higher pay and progression opportunities, you will need to achieve QTS through a recognised training route such as our ITT or PGTA programmes.

Teacher pensions and long-term benefits

One of the key benefits of teaching is the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, which includes employer contributions of 28.6%.

This is a defined benefit pension, which means:

• Your retirement income is based on your salary rather than investment performance
• Contributions are tax-free
• You may be able to take part of your pension as a tax-free lump sum

This provides long-term financial security alongside your teaching career.

Why choose a career in teaching? 

Beyond salary, teaching offers a range of personal and professional benefits:

• A meaningful career where you can make a real difference
• Opportunities to use your degree in a practical, impactful way
• Clear progression routes into leadership and specialist roles
• Strong job security and ongoing professional development

Whether you are just starting out or considering a career change, teaching offers both purpose and progression.

Start your journey into teaching

If you are ready to take the next step, explore how you can train with us:

• Train through our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) route if you are not currently employed in a school
• Earn while you learn with our Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) if you are already working in a school

Both routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and give you the skills, experience and support needed to begin a successful teaching career.