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Last updated: July 2026
The average B.C. teacher salary depends on whether you are looking at labour market earnings or public school salary-grid pay. WorkBC lists annual earnings of $77,756 for elementary school and kindergarten teachers and $82,612 for secondary school teachers in British Columbia, based on 2025 Job Bank wage data.
In public schools, teacher pay is usually set by district salary grids and depends on a teacher’s TQS category, years of experience, step placement, contract status, and school district.
From July 1, 2026, many B.C. public school teacher salary grids range from about $63,000 to more than $116,000 per year, with some district-specific variation.
What Is the Average B.C. Teacher Salary?
If you are researching bc teacher salary, the most accurate answer is that there is no single salary that applies to every teacher in British Columbia.
A teacher’s pay can vary depending on whether they work in a public school, independent school, elementary school, secondary school, rural district, urban district, or as a teacher teaching on call.
For a broad labour-market estimate, WorkBC reports annual earnings of $77,756 for elementary school and kindergarten teachers and $82,612 for secondary school teachers in British Columbia.
These figures are useful for understanding average earnings across the occupation, including different employers and work situations. For public school teachers, however, salary is normally better understood through the official salary grid. B.C. teacher salary grids are published by district and are based on the provincial and local collective agreement structure.
BCPSEA lists salary grids for districts under the July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029 collective agreement term, including annual grids for 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.
How B.C. Teacher Salary Is Calculated?
A B.C. public school teacher’s salary is usually based on four main factors:
- School district: Each district has its own salary grid, although many grids are similar.
- TQS category: The Teacher Qualification Service places teachers into a category for pay purposes.
- Experience step: Teachers move up the grid as they gain recognized teaching experience.
- Contract type and FTE: Full-time continuing teachers, temporary teachers, part-time teachers, and teachers teaching on call may be paid differently.
The B.C. government explains that teachers applying for public school certification may also apply to the Teacher Qualification Service, which places certificate holders into a category for pay purposes.
What Are TQS Categories?
TQS stands for Teacher Qualification Service. It evaluates a teacher’s academic and professional preparation and assigns a category that affects salary placement.
Common categories include:
| TQS Category | General meaning |
| Category 4 | Usually four years of acceptable academic and professional preparation |
| Category 5 | Usually five or more years of acceptable academic and professional studies |
| Category 5+ | Additional recognized study beyond Category 5 |
| Category 6 | Six or more years of study including an acceptable graduate degree |
The TQS category requirements are technical, so teachers should check their official TQS evaluation instead of assuming their category.
TQS states that categories are determined based on completed programs after meeting the university entrance requirement, and Category 5 generally requires five or more years of academic and professional studies, while Category 6 includes six or more years and an acceptable graduate degree.
B.C. Teacher Salary Grid Examples for 2026
For public school teachers, the salary grid is often more useful than a general average.
For example, in School District No. 39 Vancouver, the teacher salary grid effective July 1, 2026 shows:
| Step | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6/PA | Cat 6/M |
| Step 1 | $64,901 | $71,220 | $77,058 | $78,184 |
| Step 5 | $77,174 | $84,720 | $91,864 | $92,991 |
| Step 10 | — | $106,060 | $114,668 | $116,190 |
This means a Vancouver teacher with Category 5 placement could earn $71,220 at Step 1 and $106,060 at Step 10, while a Category 6/M teacher could reach $116,190 at Step 10 under the July 1, 2026 grid.
In many Metro Vancouver districts, salary grids effective July 1, 2026 show similar ranges. For example, Make a Future lists the Metro region salary grids based on BCPSEA data and shows that several districts place Category 5 teachers around $68,480 at Step 1 and $106,060 at Step 10, with district-specific differences.
Is There a New B.C. Teacher Contract?
Yes. The renewed B.C. teacher agreement covers a four-year term from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029. BCPSEA says the ratified agreement includes a 3% general wage increase per year for four years, totalling 12% over the term.
It also states that newly appointed temporary, term contract and continuing employees will be placed on the third step of the salary grid, up from the second step in the previous agreement.
The BCTF also described the agreement as including 3% general wage increases per year for four years, a wage bump at the lower end of the grid, added elementary preparation time, and special allowances for certain roles and rural or remote schools.
Starting Salary for Teachers in B.C.
A new B.C. teacher’s starting salary depends on district, TQS category and placement rules. Under the July 1, 2026 grids, a Category 5 teacher in many districts may be in the high-$60,000 to low-$70,000 range near the lower steps, while Vancouver’s Category 5 Step 1 rate is listed at $71,220.
However, “starting salary” should be used carefully. Some teachers begin as Teachers Teaching on Call, while others move directly into temporary or continuing contracts. The renewed agreement also affects placement for newly appointed temporary, term contract and continuing employees, who are placed on the third step of the grid.
How Much Do Experienced B.C. Teachers Make?
Experienced public school teachers in B.C. can earn more than $100,000 annually, depending on their category and district. In Vancouver’s July 1, 2026 grid, Category 5 reaches $106,060 at Step 10, while Category 6/M reaches $116,190 at Step 10.
In Burnaby, the July 1, 2026 grid shows Category 5 at $106,060 at Step 10 and Category 6 at $116,637 at Step 10.
These figures are base salary grid amounts. Actual take-home pay will be lower after deductions such as income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance, pension contributions, union dues and benefit-related deductions where applicable.
Elementary Teacher Salary in B.C.
WorkBC lists annual earnings of $77,756 for elementary school and kindergarten teachers in British Columbia. It also lists the provincial hourly wage range as $28.85 to $57.69, with a median of $43.27, based on 2025 Job Bank wage data.
Elementary teachers in public schools are usually paid on the same teacher salary grid structure as other certified public school teachers. Their exact salary depends on district, step and TQS category rather than only the grade level they teach.
High School Teacher Salary in B.C.
WorkBC lists annual earnings of $82,612 for secondary school teachers in British Columbia. The provincial hourly wage range is listed as $28.85 to $60.18, with a median of $44.33, based on 2025 Job Bank wage data.
Secondary teachers may teach academic, technical, career preparation or elective subjects. WorkBC notes that this occupational group also includes department heads.
Do B.C. Teachers Get Bonuses?
In most public school teaching roles, salary is not normally based on performance bonuses in the same way as some private-sector jobs. Public school teachers are generally paid according to the applicable collective agreement, district salary grid, step placement and TQS category.
Some teachers may receive additional pay or allowances for specific responsibilities, roles or circumstances. These can include department head duties, special responsibilities, rural or remote allowances, or other local provisions depending on the district and collective agreement language.
The BCTF has noted that the 2025–2029 agreement includes special allowances for psychologists and Indigenous language teachers, as well as increases for teachers in identified rural and remote schools.
Teachers Teaching on Call Salary in B.C.
Many new teachers begin as Teachers Teaching on Call, often called TTOCs. TTOCs are substitute teachers who work when regular teachers are absent or when schools need temporary coverage.
Make a Future states that TTOCs are paid on the salary scale at 1/189 of their category classification and experience, up to a maximum of Category 5 Step 8, for each full day worked. It also notes that TTOCs receive additional compensation over the daily rate in lieu of benefits unless they hold a contract at the same time.
This means TTOC earnings can vary significantly depending on the number of days worked, the district, and the teacher’s salary category and experience.
Benefits for B.C. Teachers
B.C. public school teachers may receive employment benefits through their district and collective agreement, and many are also members of the Teachers’ Pension Plan.
The Teachers’ Pension Plan says it provides retirement income for more than 100,000 plan members, including teachers, vice-principals, principals and superintendents from school boards across British Columbia.
Benefits can vary by employment status, district, contract type and eligibility. A full-time continuing teacher will generally have a different benefit situation from a casual TTOC or a part-time temporary teacher.
Professional Development and Career Growth
Professional development can help teachers improve classroom practice, move into specialist roles, or prepare for leadership positions.
Common areas include:
- Classroom management
- Inclusive education
- Special education
- Assessment and reporting
- Educational technology
- French immersion or language teaching
- Counselling or teacher-librarian pathways
- Leadership and administration
WorkBC notes that teachers with experience and more education may move into positions such as school counsellor, teacher-librarian, education consultant, vice-principal, principal, superintendent or other senior district roles.
Job Outlook for Teachers in B.C.
The job outlook for teachers in B.C. is supported by projected openings and demand in specific regions and specialties.
WorkBC forecasts 9,550 job openings for elementary school and kindergarten teachers from 2025 to 2035, with demand especially strong for French immersion, francophone program teachers and rural areas.
For secondary school teachers, WorkBC forecasts 5,210 job openings from 2025 to 2035 and notes demand in northern B.C., rural areas, advanced math, physics, chemistry, French, French immersion, business education, technology education, home economics, special needs and English language learning.
Additional Income Options for Teachers
Some teachers supplement their income through education-related work.
Possible options include:
- Teaching summer school
- Tutoring privately
- Teaching online courses
- Curriculum writing
- Coaching or sponsoring paid activities where applicable
- Taking department head or special responsibility roles
- Working in adult education or continuing education
- Writing educational resources
- Moving into administration, counselling, or specialist positions
Teachers should check their district policies, collective agreement and professional obligations before taking on outside work, especially if it involves students from their school or district.
B.C. Teacher Salary by District: Why It Varies
Teacher salary grids are not identical across every school district. Some districts have district-specific categories or slightly different rates.
For example, Vancouver’s grid uses Category 6/PA and Category 6/M, while other districts may list Category 5+, Category 6, Category 6+ or district-specific variations. This is why a teacher comparing salaries should not rely only on a province-wide average.
The most accurate approach is to check:
- The teacher’s school district salary grid
- The teacher’s TQS category
- The teacher’s recognized experience step
- Whether the position is full-time, part-time, temporary, continuing, or TTOC
- Whether any rural, remote, specialist, or responsibility allowance applies
How to Check Your Correct B.C. Teacher Salary?
To estimate your salary accurately:
- Find the correct school district salary grid.
- Confirm the effective date of the grid.
- Check your TQS category.
- Confirm your step placement based on recognized experience.
- Adjust for part-time FTE if you are not full-time.
- Ask the district HR or payroll office to confirm placement.
- Keep your TQS documentation and certification records updated.
The BCPSEA and BCTF salary grid pages are useful starting points because they list district salary grids for current and upcoming collective agreement terms.
Common Mistakes When Comparing B.C. Teacher Salaries
Avoid these mistakes when researching B.C. teacher pay:
- Treating one district’s grid as the entire province’s salary.
- Confusing annual earnings data with salary grid rates.
- Assuming all new teachers start at the same step.
- Assuming a master’s degree automatically applies without TQS evaluation.
- Comparing gross salary with take-home pay.
- Forgetting that part-time FTE reduces annual pay.
- Assuming TTOC income is the same as full-time contract salary.
- Using outdated salary grids from earlier collective agreements.
Conclusion
The average bc teacher salary is best understood in two ways. For broad labour-market earnings, WorkBC lists annual earnings of $77,756 for elementary teachers and $82,612 for secondary teachers.
For public school teachers, salary is more accurately calculated using the official district salary grid, TQS category, experience step and contract status.
As of July 1, 2026, many B.C. public school teachers can earn from the low-$60,000s near the lower grid steps to more than $116,000 at higher categories and senior steps.
The latest four-year agreement also includes 3% annual general wage increases over the 2025–2029 term, so readers should always check the current district grid before relying on older salary figures.
FAQ: B.C. Teacher Salary
What is the average B.C. teacher salary?
WorkBC lists annual earnings of $77,756 for elementary school and kindergarten teachers and $82,612 for secondary school teachers in British Columbia. Public school grid salaries can range from about the low-$60,000s to more than $116,000, depending on district, TQS category and step.
How much do B.C. elementary teachers make?
WorkBC lists annual earnings of $77,756 for elementary school and kindergarten teachers in B.C. Public school elementary teachers are usually paid according to the same salary grid system as other certified public school teachers.
How much do high school teachers make in B.C.?
WorkBC lists annual earnings of $82,612 for secondary school teachers in B.C. Public school high school teachers are paid according to their district salary grid, TQS category and experience step.
How much does a teacher with a master’s degree make in B.C.?
A teacher with a master’s degree may qualify for a higher TQS category, often Category 6, but the exact placement must be evaluated by TQS. In Vancouver’s July 1, 2026 grid, Category 6/M reaches $116,190 at Step 10.
Do B.C. teachers get paid more with experience?
Yes. Public school salary grids usually increase by experience step. A teacher generally earns more as they move up the grid, subject to recognized experience, local rules and contract terms.
How much do Teachers Teaching on Call make in B.C.?
TTOCs are generally paid at 1/189 of their category classification and experience, capped at Category 5 Step 8, for each full day worked. Their total annual income depends on how many days they work.
How much does a school principal make in B.C.?
WorkBC lists annual earnings of $121,965 for school principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education in British Columbia, based on 2025 Job Bank wage data.
Are B.C. teachers among the highest paid in Canada?
B.C. teachers can earn competitive salaries, especially at higher grid steps, but comparisons with other provinces depend on pension rules, benefits, grid structure, cost of living, contract dates and workload conditions. A simple province-to-province comparison can be misleading without checking current collective agreements.
Source Links
- BCPSEA teacher salary grids by school district
- BCTF current and upcoming teacher salary grids
- WorkBC elementary school and kindergarten teacher earnings in B.C.
- WorkBC secondary school teacher earnings in B.C.
- Teacher Qualification Service category requirements
- B.C. government teacher certification and TQS guidance
- BCPSEA teacher collective bargaining updates
- Make a Future guide to Teachers Teaching on Call in B.C.
- B.C. Teachers’ Pension Plan information
- BCPSEA Benefits Buying Group district benefits information
