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Verified by AL Board of Education

K-12 Teacher Licensing in Alabama

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Alabama

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama State Department of Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,850 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #31 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Alabama eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Alabama State Department of Education and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of $59,850, K-12 Teachers in Alabama earn 4% below the national median of $62,340. Alabama ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$59,850

Hourly estimate

$28.77
4% below national median

Difference: -$2,490

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,510
  • P2525th percentile$48,470
  • P50Median$59,850
  • P7575th percentile$62,410
  • P9090th percentile$70,920

State vs National Median

State: $59,850
National: $62,340

Total employment: 16,910 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#31 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$99,110
#2California$98,190
#3Rhode Island$86,900
#4Massachusetts$83,260
#5New York$82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$59,850Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$52,690Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$63,490Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$55,550Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$48,440Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Alabama68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Mississippi68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Alabama State Department of Education

P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL, 36104

Phone: 3346944900

Related Careers in Alabama

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$64,060Specific course required16 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$77,940Specific course required16 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$81,040Specific course required16 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,670Specific course required16 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Alabama?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Alabama?

Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.

What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Alabama?

The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Alabama.

What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Alabama is $59,850. Salaries range from $45,510 (10th percentile) to $70,920 (90th percentile).

How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

K-12 Teachers in Alabama earn 4% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $59,850.

How many K-12 Teachers work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 16,910 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Alabama from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Alabama?

The licensing agency is Alabama State Department of Education. Review agency details at https://www.alsde.edu/.

How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Alabama?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.