Teacher Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Virginia pays teachers a median wage of $62,270 per year — that's $29.94/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 37,640 teachers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Teacher salaries in Virginia are below the national average by approximately $1,224. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for teachers.
Virginia Teacher Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Teacher Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $62,270.
Teacher Salary by Experience — Virginia
Teacher Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for teachers in Virginia: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's public and private education.
Teacher Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $69,100 | $33.22 | +11.0% | 13,174 |
| Norfolk | $66,000 | $31.73 | +6.0% | 10,539 |
| Chesapeake | $64,150 | $30.84 | +3.0% | 6,775 |
| Richmond | $59,800 | $28.75 | -4.0% | 3,387 |
| Arlington | $56,650 | $27.24 | -9.0% | 2,258 |
| Alexandria | $54,150 | $26.03 | -13.0% | 1,505 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest teacher salaries in Virginia at $69,100/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for teachers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Teacher Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for teachers in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for teachers.
How to Earn More as a Teacher in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a teacher in Virginia typically adds $51,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays teachers $69,100/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Teachers who specialise in public and private education typically command premium rates in Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays teachers $55,550/yr — -10.8% vs Virginia.
Find Teacher Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current teacher job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 Teacher jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 Teacher jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Teacher jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→