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Verified by OH Board of Education

K-12 Teacher Licensing in Ohio

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Ohio

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $65,380 median (5% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #14 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 Ohio

With a median salary of 65,380, K-12 Teachers in Ohio earn 5% above the national median of $62,340. Ohio ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$65,380

Hourly estimate

$31.43
5% above national median

Difference: +$3,040

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,180
  • P2525th percentile$50,060
  • P50Median$65,380
  • P7575th percentile$79,270
  • P9090th percentile$96,970

State vs National Median

State: $65,380
National: $62,340

Total employment: 50,110 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#14 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
Ohio$65,380Degree requiredState-approved exam6-24 months
Michigan$62,350Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$74,160No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
West Virginia$55,550Specific course requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$57,980Specific course requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Indiana$58,370Degree 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
Ohio68MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated. Continuing education compliance is required.
Michigan54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-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

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

25 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH, 43215-4183

Phone: 8776446338

Related Careers in Ohio

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Librarian$57,130Varies by state board6-24 months
School Counselor$61,960Degree required6-24 months
Architect$97,130Degree required6-24 months
Audiologist$76,720Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Ohio?

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

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

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Ohio is 65,380. Salaries range from $46,180 (10th percentile) to $96,970 (90th percentile).

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

K-12 Teachers in Ohio earn 5% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 65,380.

How many K-12 Teachers work in Ohio?

Ohio employs approximately 50,110 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Ohio 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 Ohio?

The licensing agency is Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. Review agency details at https://www.education.ohio.gov/.