Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Cosmetology Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$74,160 median (19% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#11 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 Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 74,160, K-12 Teachers in Pennsylvania earn 19% above the national median of $62,340. Pennsylvania ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$74,160Hourly estimate
$35.6519% above national median
Difference: +$11,820
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $74,160 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $82,480 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $77,150 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $66,390 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $74,720 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $55,550 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $65,380 | Degree required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Jersey | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Cosmetology Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837130
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | $60,120 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $61,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $95,640 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Pennsylvania is 74,160. Salaries range from $47,310 (10th percentile) to $95,720 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Pennsylvania earn 19% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 74,160.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 47,220 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Cosmetology Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Cosmetology/Pages/default.aspx.