Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Missouri, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Missouri
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education • Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,250 median (23% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of 48,250, K-12 Teachers in Missouri earn 23% below the national median of $62,340. Missouri ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$48,250Hourly estimate
$23.2023% below national median
Difference: -$14,090
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | 99,110 |
| #2 | California | 98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | 86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | 83,260 |
| #5 | New York | 82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $48,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $55,540 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $64,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $57,980 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $52,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $50,550 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $47,470 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $50,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $61,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education • Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education
205 Jefferson Street, P.O Box 480, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0423
Phone: 5737512931ext5737513847
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | $53,600 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $53,790 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $97,970 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $87,840 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri 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 Missouri?
The board typically expects Specific course required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Missouri is 48,250. Salaries range from $37,950 (10th percentile) to $76,400 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Missouri earn 23% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 48,250.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 40,380 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Missouri from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Missouri?
The licensing agency is Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education / Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education. Review agency details at https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification.