Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in New York
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$82,480 median (32% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#5 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 New York
With a median salary of 82,480, K-12 Teachers in New York earn 32% above the national median of $62,340. New York ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$82,480Hourly estimate
$39.6532% above national median
Difference: +$20,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $82,480 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $61,270 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $83,260 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Connecticut | $78,740 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $77,150 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $74,160 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
89 Washington Avenue, Education Building, 5N, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743901
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | $77,080 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $69,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $98,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $98,750 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in New York?
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 education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in New York?
The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in New York.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in New York?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in New York is 82,480. Salaries range from $50,270 (10th percentile) to $133,140 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in New York compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in New York earn 32% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 82,480.
How many K-12 Teachers work in New York?
New York employs approximately 103,920 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education. Review agency details at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/.