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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Missouri
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
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 Missouri eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education~Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,540 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $64,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $57,980 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $50,550 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,470 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $50,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $61,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $77,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,170 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $86,530 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,470 | Specific course required | 4 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Missouri?
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 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. 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.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.