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Verified by GA Board of Education

K-12 Teacher Licensing in Georgia

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Georgia

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Georgia Professional Standards Commission

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,490 median (2% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #17 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Georgia

With a median salary of 63,490, K-12 Teachers in Georgia earn 2% above the national median of $62,340. Georgia ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$63,490

Hourly estimate

$30.52
2% above national median

Difference: +$1,150

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,280
  • P2525th percentile$59,170
  • P50Median$63,490
  • P7575th percentile$77,340
  • P9090th percentile$96,780

State vs National Median

State: $63,490
National: $62,340

Total employment: 42,440 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#17 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington99,110
#2California98,190
#3Rhode Island86,900
#4Massachusetts83,260
#5New York82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Georgia$63,490Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$52,690Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
North Carolina$49,400Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
South Carolina$59,370Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Florida$55,550Specific course requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Alabama$59,850Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months

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
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
Florida60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: No new Licenses.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Georgia Professional Standards Commission

2 Peachtree Street, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA, 30303

Phone: 8008697775

Related Careers in Georgia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Librarian$73,500Varies by state board6-24 months
School Counselor$63,990Degree required6-24 months
Architect$100,870Specific course required6-24 months
Audiologist$101,920Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

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

Georgia 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 Georgia?

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

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

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Georgia is 63,490. Salaries range from $47,280 (10th percentile) to $96,780 (90th percentile).

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

K-12 Teachers in Georgia earn 2% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 63,490.

How many K-12 Teachers work in Georgia?

Georgia employs approximately 42,440 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No new Licenses. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

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

The licensing agency is Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Review agency details at http://www.gapsc.com/.