The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, and it offers competitive salaries for teachers. Understanding the LAUSD teacher salary in 2025 can help educators plan their careers, negotiate better pay, and evaluate their professional growth. This article covers average salaries, factors influencing pay, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, job outlook, and education or certifications that impact earnings.
What Is the Average LAUSD Teacher Salary in 2025?
In 2025, the average salary for an LAUSD teacher is approximately $103,000 per year. This figure represents the midpoint between entry-level salaries and those earned by veteran teachers. However, several factors can cause individual salaries to vary widely.
Factors Influencing LAUSD Teacher Salary
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Experience: Teachers with more years of service typically earn higher salaries. LAUSD uses a step system where each year of experience can increase pay.
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Education Level: Teachers with advanced degrees (Master’s or Doctorate) often receive salary boosts.
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Certifications: Special certifications, such as National Board Certification, can increase earning potential.
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Special Roles: Positions like Lead Navigator or Senior Lead Teacher come with additional stipends.
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Subject Area: Certain subjects, especially STEM and Special Education, may offer higher pay due to demand.
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Location and School Type: Some schools or regions within LAUSD might offer different stipends or bonuses based on need.
Salary Breakdown by Experience
Experience Level | Average Salary |
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Entry-Level (0-3 yrs) | $60,000 – $75,000 |
Mid-Level (4-10 yrs) | $80,000 – $95,000 |
Senior (10+ yrs) | $100,000 – $120,000+ |
Salaries rise steadily with experience and additional qualifications.
Job Market Trends for LAUSD Teachers
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Demand for STEM Teachers: There is increasing demand for teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields.
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Special Education Needs: Special Education teachers are in high demand, sometimes commanding higher salaries.
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Teacher Shortages: Like many districts nationwide, LAUSD experiences teacher shortages, leading to incentives and salary raises to attract talent.
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Remote and Hybrid Learning: Some roles like instructional coaches or tech specialists may emerge, influencing salary scales.
Benefits for LAUSD Teachers
LAUSD offers a comprehensive benefits package that complements the salary, including:
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Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Retirement Plans: Participation in California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS).
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Paid Time Off: Sick leave, personal days, and vacation.
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Professional Development: Opportunities for growth, which can lead to salary increases.
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Additional Stipends: For extracurricular roles, mentoring, and leadership positions.
Education and Certifications Impacting Salary
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Advanced Degrees: Master’s and Doctorate degrees often increase salary by 5-10%.
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National Board Certification: Can add significant salary supplements.
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Bilingual Authorization: Teachers who are bilingual may receive extra pay.
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Specialized Certifications: For areas like counseling, administration, or tech instruction, salary bonuses apply.
Job Outlook for LAUSD Teachers
The outlook for teachers in LAUSD remains positive with:
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Continued demand for qualified educators.
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Focus on equity and inclusion increasing opportunities.
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Potential for salary growth due to inflation adjustments and labor negotiations.
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Expanding roles in digital learning and student support.
Summary
In 2025, LAUSD teachers can expect an average salary of around $103,000, influenced by experience, education, certifications, and job roles. With strong benefits, a positive job outlook, and increasing demand in key subject areas, teaching in LAUSD remains a viable and rewarding career choice.
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