Teachers who pursue a master’s degree in education do it for more than a pay raise. Still, many want to know if obtaining an M.Ed. will lead to a bump in pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (accessed January 2022), the average salary for teachers with a bachelor’s degree in education who teach in an elementary and middle school in the U.S. is $42,100, and $45,000 for high school.
For those with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, the average salary in the U.S. increases to $54,000 per year for elementary and middle school teachers and $56,000 for high school teachers. However, other factors besides the level of education affect what a teacher earns. These include years of experience, geography, grade level, subject matter and teacher shortages.
Average Teacher Salary in the Largest Louisiana Parishes
Louisiana does not mandate a statewide salary schedule for teachers. Instead, the state has a minimum salary by county and parish. The following chart lists the average public school teacher’s salary at Step 1 for the 12 largest parishes sorted by size. (These salaries are the most recent data available, accessed January 2022.)
| Parish | Bachelor’s degree | Master’s degree |
| Jefferson | $47,000 | $47,500 |
| East Baton Rouge | $45,500 | $46,700 |
| Caddo | $44,065 | $46,207 |
| St. Tammany | $45,300 | $47,200 |
| Calcasieu | $44,461 | $45,861 |
| Lafayette | $43,977 | $45,663 |
| Livingston | $43,317 | $43,781 |
| Rapides | $43,605 | $44,148 |
| Bossier | $45,602 | $46,491 |
| Ascension | $45,683 | $46,713 |
| Tangipahoa | $57,243 | $59,541 |
| Ouachita | $45,940 | $46,240 |
Louisiana’s legislation has implemented a compensation system based on experience, effectiveness and demand. The Louisiana Department of Education says that teacher salary is based on experience, academic credentials and achievements in the classroom.
Other Reasons to Earn a Master’s Degree
Teachers with a master’s degree improve their chances of landing the jobs they want and changing careers. Employers often give greater consideration to teachers who hold an M.Ed. In fact, some school districts reimburse teachers for continuing their education.
Graduate school offers another avenue for networking, as students meet industry experts, leaders, faculty members and other students. These can lead to new jobs and other professional opportunities.
A bachelor’s degree program puts greater emphasis on the subject matter. Master of Education programs, on the other hand, dive deeper into teaching methods, educational philosophy and pedagogy.
A variety of M.Ed. degrees exist to allow teachers to specialize in a subject of interest and become experts. These include leadership, special education, curriculum and instruction, technology and English as a second language (ESL).
Many higher-level educational jobs, such as principal and counselor, require a master’s degree. Middle leadership positions like team lead or curriculum specialist may or may not demand an advanced degree. In either case, a candidate with an M.Ed. may gain an advantage over one without.
Education techniques and technologies continue to evolve. Enrolling in graduate school gives teachers the opportunity to learn the latest methods. Students pursuing an M.Ed. find it intellectually rewarding, and it often renews their passion for teaching. Most importantly, the teacher learns how to help students become more successful learners.
Learn more about the University of Louisiana Monroe’s online M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction program.