Educators looking to stretch their paychecks may want to head just north of New York City. A new ranking by data‑journalism outlet Stacker, using SmartAsset figures, shows that Yonkers now offers the highest median salary for teachers in the United States at $94,654.
Who stands to gain? Parents eyeing class sizes, graduates weighing offers, and policymakers debating budgets all have something at stake.
The study sifted through pay data from the 100 largest U.S. cities across several career tracks. For teachers, Yonkers sprinted past larger metros, underscoring the city’s commitment to competitive wages and, by extension, retention.
Why Yonkers teachers outpace every other city in median annual earnings
Officials cite a strong tax base, robust union contracts, and state funding rules that reward high‑need schools. Competing with New York City for talent adds pressure to keep salaries high—after all, who wants a longer commute for less money?
| Profession | Top‑paying city | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Teachers | Yonkers, NY | $94,654 |
| Legal professionals | San Francisco, CA | $224,370 |
| Engineers & architects | San Jose, CA | $154,627 |
| Health‑care professionals | Oakland, CA | $181,819 |
Even at No. 1, teacher pay trails far behind legal and medical fields, a gap fueling calls for additional school funding.
How educator pay compares with other high‑earning professions across major U.S. cities
Legal experts, engineers, and clinicians still pocket their top earnings in California hubs. Yet Yonkers bucks that coastal pattern, proving high salaries can surface outside Silicon Valley. Consequently, analysts expect other midsize districts to revisit their own pay scales—or risk staff shortages.
Key takeaways:
- Ranking covers the nation’s 100 largest cities.
- Median figures mark the midpoint, not the maximum.
- Totals reflect pre‑tax pay and leave out benefits.
What this ranking means for school districts recruiting and retaining qualified teachers nationwide
Yonkers’ headline figure creates a fresh benchmark nearby districts cannot ignore. Contract talks this fall will likely cite the $94 k target as proof that higher pay is feasible. Will every city match it? Probably not. However, the lesson is clear: competitive salaries are moving from perk to prerequisite.
Districts hoping to lure and keep classroom talent should review schedules, weigh cost‑of‑living bumps, and reward advanced credentials. After all, students thrive when experienced teachers choose to stay put.