Teaching - in your opinion, how's the pay?

I'm only fourteen :) but it's never to early to start thinking about your options. For awhile I've been thinking about teaching. Probably at a primary school - 8 to 10 years olds - but, you know, I don't want to be poor...


As I don't know much about this stuff, I was wondering if any teachers out there might possibly tell me the average wage and if all the stress is worth it.





Thanks x

Teaching - in your opinion, how's the pay?
I teach in Toronto, Ontario and we have a slightly higher pay than teachers in other parts of the province. From what I have read, Canadian teachers (in more urban areas and even some remote areas) also are better payed than some of their U.S. counterparts. I started @ $46,000 CAD because of my qualifications (I have an Honours degree in French and that's what I teach @ the elementary level), but most start at about $36,000 CAD (again based on a 4 step qualification ladder). Now in my 2nd year I'm making a little over $50,000 and after 10yrs I'll be at the maximum pay (which now is around $84,000 but will be closer to $90,000 and above). Is it worth the stress? (and yes there is plenty of stress...we definitely need those 2 months off in summer)...that's entirely up to you! So far I find the job very rewarding...better than the office job I had record-keeping, editing and translating documents (plus the position had its share of down time and boredom). I mean with teaching, you feel that in some way or another, you are making a difference in the students' lives. Of course I'm still young in my career; however, my mother taught for 27yrs and really she enjoyed it...she wouldn't have had it any other way.
Reply:Starting out the pay is lower than some executive positions, however as you progress through the years the pay increases, and it can be a good retirement wage if you retire as a teacher.





I started 15 years ago at about $30,000 and now make more than $60,000. It depends where you live, but as you get older you can investigate the average pay at the library for the town in which you live. There is also a wealth of information online in this day and age. If you really want to teach, it's a great job and can be very rewarding, but not one you'll get rich doing. The vacations are well needed and great, especially if you have children someday. Overall, I'd say the stresses with teaching are well worth it.
Reply:Lets put it this way, If I was in it for the the money, I would quit real soon. But I am not poor either, I drive a new 2007 Ford Explorer and just built a new house in a upper-class estate. (Granted that the parents helped pay for the house.) I make around $35,000 yearly but CAN NOT see myself doing anything else but teaching.





I teach high school Chemistry and Physics.
Reply:In the beginning it's tough. Pay is low; college loans need repaid. However, when it comes time to retire, it's great. Also, you can work on summer break.
Reply:Well it's not doctor pay, but we're not poor. As a teacher, of course I'd like more money, but do I think teachers should be paid like doctors? No, and only because I want teachers that are teachers because they love teaching, want to make a difference in children's lives, etc. Not because they'll be rich.





The pay depends on your education level (bachelors, masters, masters plus 30 hours-which KY calls Rank 1, PhD), your years of experience, and where you choose to teach. I work in a rural KY school, only have my bachelors so far, and this is my 2nd (full) year. My pay is $34,000 per year. I've seen pay all the way up to $100,000 for lots of experience, schooling, and at an urban school.





Teaching is a very rewarding job even without the doctor pay! And not having to work an off-shift, weekends, holidays, or summers is worth a LOT to me.

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