* Location: Salaries are considerably higher in states with higher costs of living (e.g., California, New York) compared to states with lower costs of living (e.g., Mississippi, Arkansas). Urban areas within a state also tend to pay more than rural areas.
* Experience: Starting salaries are generally lower, with increases coming with each year of experience. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may also earn more.
* District/School: Wealthier school districts often pay higher salaries than poorer ones. Charter schools and private schools may have different compensation structures.
Because of these variables, providing a single figure is misleading. However, a reasonable range for a high school biology teacher's annual salary in the US is $40,000 to $80,000. Some teachers may earn significantly more or less than this range.
To find a more precise salary estimate, you should search for salary data specific to a particular state, county, or even school district. Websites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale often provide this localized data. You can also check the websites of individual school districts.