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Teaching is a noble profession that is critical to the development of society. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of future generations and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. However, the question of how much teachers make has been asked time and again.
In Ontario, teacher salaries can vary depending on several factors such as experience, education level, and location. In this article, we will show you how much teachers make in Ontario, and also we will explore the various factors that affect teacher salaries in Ontario and provide an overview of the average pay scales for elementary and secondary teachers.
How Much Do Teachers Make in Ontario?
Following a historic binding arbitration decision, Ontario teachers are receiving a total compounded salary increase of 11.73% over the four-year term of the 2022–2026 collective agreement. This award significantly adjusts previous pay scales to account for economic shifts and includes the following yearly hikes:
- 2024–2025: 2.75% increase.
- 2025–2026: 2.5% increase.
Updated Average Salaries by Level (2026 Data)
Recent market data reflects these updates, showing a significant rise from previous years:
- Secondary School Teachers: The average gross salary in Ontario is now $73,540, with many senior teachers earning well over $82,819 depending on their position on the grid.
- Elementary School Teachers: While base starting pay remains variable, the average salary for experienced elementary educators in 2026 is approximately $53,010 to $88,000.
Occasional Teacher (OT) Daily Rates
If you are working as a daily Occasional Teacher, pay rates have been standardized to a higher baseline average.
- Daily Rate: As of September 1, 2025, the daily rate for many boards has risen to approximately $286.28 to $294.71.
- Inclusions: This rate typically includes 4% vacation pay and 2.5% statutory holiday pay.
- Long-Term Occasional (LTO): Teachers in LTO assignments for 10 consecutive days or more are entitled to be moved from the daily rate to the full salary grid rate, retroactively applied to the first day of the assignment.
Ontario Teacher Salary Grid (Effective Sept 1, 2025 – 2026)
The following grid reflects the 2025–2026 academic year rates, incorporating the recent 2.5% arbitration increase. These figures represent the base annual salary for full-time permanent teachers and Long-Term Occasional (LTO) assignments.
| Years of Experience | Category A1 | Category A2 | Category A3 | Category A4 (Max) |
| 0 (Starting) | $61,515 | $63,723 | $67,775 | $70,083 |
| 1 | $65,190 | $67,740 | $72,209 | $75,003 |
| 3 | $70,771 | $73,913 | $79,091 | $82,758 |
| 5 | $77,946 | $81,756 | $87,735 | $92,342 |
| 7 | $85,118 | $89,592 | $96,393 | $101,935 |
| 9 | $92,302 | $97,422 | $105,036 | $111,527 |
| 10+ (Maximum) | $95,887 | $101,344 | $109,358 | $117,053 |
Source: Compiled from 2022-2026 Collective Agreements (ETFO/OSSTF/OCETFO).
How to Use This Grid?
To find your specific salary, you must determine your Qualification Category and Years of Experience:
- Categories (A1–A4): Your category is determined by the Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario (QECO) or the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Certification Department. Category A4 is the highest level, typically requiring a Master’s degree or specific additional qualifications.
- Experience Steps: You move down one “step” on the grid for every full year of recognized teaching experience.
- Allowances: Many teachers receive additional stipends for Master’s or Doctoral degrees (often ranging from $600 to $1,200 annually) which are added on top of the grid amounts.
Understanding Long-Term Occasional (LTO) Pay
For many educators in Ontario, an LTO assignment—typically defined as covering a permanent teacher’s leave for 10 or more consecutive days—is the primary path to a permanent contract. However, the way LTOs are paid differs significantly from permanent staff.
1. The 1/194th Calculation Rule
While permanent teachers are quoted an annual salary, LTO teachers are paid a daily rate based on the school year’s 194 instructional days.
- The Formula: Your annual grid salary ÷ 194 = Your Daily LTO Rate.
- Example: If you are in Category A3 at Step 0 ($67,775), your daily rate would be approximately $349.35 per day worked.
2. Payment Terms: No 12-Month Pro-rating
One of the most important financial distinctions for LTO teachers is the distribution of pay.
- Permanent Teachers: Their annual salary is typically pro-rated and distributed over 26 pay periods (12 months), ensuring a stable income during the summer.
- LTO Teachers: You are paid only for the days you actually work (instructional days and Professional Activity days). This means LTO pay is not projected over 12 months.
- Holiday Impacts: During months with “reduced pay periods,” such as March (Spring Break) or December (Winter Break), your bi-weekly paycheck will be lower because you only receive the 1/194th rate for the specific days the school was open.
3. Retroactive “Grid” Pay
If you begin an assignment as a daily “supply” teacher and it unexpectedly extends beyond 10 consecutive days, you are typically entitled to be moved to the salary grid retroactively. This means the board will calculate the difference between the daily OT rate and your higher 1/194th grid rate for the first 10 days and pay you the balance.
Additional Pay and Benefits for Teachers in Ontario
Beyond the base salary grid, teachers can increase their total compensation through specific stipends and allowances defined in local collective agreements. Common additions include:
- Post-Graduate Allowances: Many boards offer an annual stipend (typically between $600 and $1,100) for holding a Master’s or Doctorate degree.
- Responsibility Allowances: Teachers acting as Department Heads, Coordinators, or “Teacher-in-Charge” receive an additional allowance, often ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 per year.
- Related Experience: In technical or vocational subjects, boards may grant “steps” on the grid for years of relevant professional experience outside of teaching.
Salaries Vary by School Board
While the province sets the general framework for arbitration increases, the final salary figures can vary slightly between the 72 school boards in Ontario.
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Board-Specific Rates: Major urban boards, such as the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), often have slightly different daily OT rates or specific local allowances that can put their total compensation higher than the provincial average.
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Northern Allowances: Teachers working in designated isolated or northern communities often receive a “North of 50” or “Isolation Allowance” to account for the higher cost of living in those regions.
Factors Affecting Ontario Teacher Salaries
While it’s true that teacher salaries are based on experience and education, many factors affect your salary.
Several factors can affect Ontario teacher salaries, including:
- Level of Education and Experience: Teachers with higher levels of education and more years of experience typically earn higher salaries. For example, teachers with a master’s degree may earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
- Location: Salaries for teachers can vary depending on the region of Ontario in which they work. Generally, teachers in urban areas may earn higher salaries than those in rural areas.
- Collective Bargaining Agreements: Teacher salaries are typically negotiated through collective bargaining agreements between school boards and teachers’ unions. These agreements can vary in terms of salary levels, benefit packages, and other factors.
- Subject Area: Salaries for teachers can also vary depending on the subject area they teach, with some subject areas or specialties commanding higher salaries than others. For example, teachers with a specialty in math or science may earn more than those who teach other subjects.
- Type of School: Teachers who work in public schools may earn different salaries than those who work in private or independent schools.
It’s important to note that teacher salaries can also change over time, as collective bargaining agreements are updated or as teachers gain more experience or education.
How to Navigate Ontario Teacher Salary Information?
Navigating Ontario teacher salary information can be a daunting task, but there are a few key resources and strategies that can help:
- Visit the Ontario Teachers’ Federation website: The Ontario Teachers’ Federation has a wealth of information on teacher salaries, including information on salary grids, salary increases, and benefits. Their website is a great place to start when looking for information on Ontario teacher salaries1.
- Check with your school board: Each school board in Ontario is responsible for negotiating collective bargaining agreements with their teachers’ unions. Your school board may have information on its website about salaries and benefits for teachers within their board.
- Look for recent news articles: News articles about changes to collective bargaining agreements or other developments related to teacher salaries can be a good source of information. Be sure to look for articles from reputable sources, such as major news outlets or education-focused publications.
- Talk to your union representative: If you’re a teacher in Ontario, your union representative can be a valuable resource for information on salaries and benefits. They can provide you with information on collective bargaining agreements and answer any questions you may have.
- Consider consulting with a professional: If you’re looking for more in-depth information on Ontario teacher salaries, you may want to consider consulting with a professional, such as a financial advisor or accountant. They can help you navigate the complexities of teacher salaries and benefits and provide you with tailored advice based on your circumstances.
Overall, navigating Ontario, teacher salary information can be challenging, but with the right resources and strategies, you can find the information you need to make informed decisions about your career and finances.
Conclusion
In 2026, teaching remains one of the most stable and well-compensated professions in Ontario.
While factors like years of experience, QECO qualification categories, and specific school board locations still dictate individual earnings, the 2022–2026 arbitration awards have significantly elevated the provincial baseline.
With top-grid salaries now exceeding $117,000, Ontario’s compensation package is more competitive than ever with other professional sectors.
Beyond the base salary grid, the comprehensive value provided by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) and expanded health trusts ensures long-term financial security for educators.
Whether you are a daily Occasional Teacher or a permanent secondary school instructor, understanding the nuances of the 1/194th calculation and local board stipends is essential for navigating your career journey.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, these recent salary adjustments reflect the province’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the vital role teachers play in Ontario’s future.
FAQs: How much do teachers make in Ontario?
Do Ontario teachers make a lot?
Yes. Following the 2024-2026 arbitration awards, teacher salaries have reached new highs. Over 92,000 teachers in Ontario now earn more than $100,000 annually, a massive increase driven by a cumulative 11.73% salary hike and retroactive pay adjustments.
What benefits do teachers get in Ontario?
Ontario teachers enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health & Dental: Comprehensive coverage via provincial health trusts.
- OTPP Pension: One of the world’s largest and most secure defined-benefit pension plans.
- Paid Sick Leave: Typically 11 days at 100% pay per year.
- Parental Leave: Supplemental top-up payments during maternity and parental leaves.
Do teachers get paid during winter break in Ontario?
It depends on your contract. Permanent teachers have their annual salary distributed over 12 months, so they receive their regular bi-weekly pay during the break. Daily Occasional Teachers are only paid for days worked, but they receive an extra 2.5% statutory holiday pay in their daily rate to account for these periods.
How many vacation days do Ontario teachers get?
Unlike typical professions, teachers do not have “vacation days” they can use whenever they choose. Instead, they follow the provincially mandated school calendar, which includes a 2-week winter break, a 1-week March break, and a summer hiatus of approximately two months. Permanent teachers also receive all standard statutory holidays as paid time off.
