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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
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 Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Cosmetology Board and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median 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 | Varies by board |
| New York | $82,480 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $77,150 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $66,390 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $74,720 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $55,550 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $65,380 | Degree required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,250 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,760 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $92,780 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,310 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Pennsylvania?
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 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. 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.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.