The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is the largest teacher union in New York City and represents over 200,000 active and retired educators. The UFT teacher salary is an important aspect of the employment package for teachers in the New York City public school system and is the result of negotiations between the UFT and the City of New York.
In New York City, teacher salaries are determined by a number of factors, including years of experience, education level, and specialty areas such as bilingual education or special education. The UFT teacher salary schedule is divided into several steps, each of which corresponds to a different experience level. As teachers gain more experience, they move up the steps and their salary increases.
As of 2024, starting teachers in New York City with a bachelor’s degree earn an annual salary of $63,000. After several years of service, teachers can expect to earn an annual salary of $100,000 or more, depending on their experience level and education. In addition to their base salary, UFT teachers may also receive additional compensation for extra duties such as coaching sports teams or serving as department heads.
One of the most significant benefits of being a UFT teacher is the comprehensive health insurance program offered to all members. The UFT provides comprehensive health insurance coverage for active and retired teachers, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Teachers can choose from several different insurance plans, including a fee-for-service plan, a preferred provider organization (PPO), or a health maintenance organization (HMO). Teachers can also choose from several different dental plans and vision plans.
Another important aspect of the UFT teacher salary is the pension plan. The UFT offers a defined benefit pension plan to all active and retired teachers, which provides a secure source of retirement income. The pension plan is funded by contributions from the City of New York and the teachers themselves, and provides benefits based on a formula that takes into account years of service, final average salary, and age at retirement. The UFT teacher pension plan is considered one of the most secure and generous pension plans in the country.
UFT Teacher Salary 2024
The salary of a UFT teacher depends on several factors, including their experience, education level, and the specific school district they work in. However, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) negotiates a contract with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) that sets the minimum salary for all teachers in the city.
The current UFT contract, which runs from 2023 to 2027, includes a salary schedule that increases teacher salaries based on their years of experience. For example, a teacher with no experience will earn a base salary of $72,120 in the 2023-2024 school year. A teacher with five years of experience will earn a base salary of $80,100, and a teacher with 10 years of experience will earn a base salary of $88,080.
In addition to the base salary, teachers can also earn additional pay for things like working overtime, coaching extracurricular activities, or taking on leadership roles. For example, a teacher who coaches a varsity sports team may earn an additional $5,000 per year.
Here is a table that shows the base salaries for UFT teachers in the 2023-2024 school year:
| Years of Experience | Base Salary |
|---|---|
| 0 | $72,120 |
| 1 | $74,240 |
| 2 | $76,360 |
| 3 | $78,480 |
| 4 | $80,600 |
| 5 | $82,720 |
| 6 | $84,840 |
| 7 | $86,960 |
| 8 | $89,080 |
| 9 | $91,200 |
| 10 | $93,320 |
It is important to note that these are just the base salaries. Teachers can earn more money through experience, additional education, and other factors.
UFT Salary Calculator
The UFT Salary Calculator is a tool that allows teachers to estimate their salary based on their experience, education level, and other factors. The calculator is available on the UFT website.
To use the calculator, teachers must enter their:
- Current salary
- Years of experience
- Education level
- Additional qualifications
The calculator will then generate an estimate of the teacher’s salary.
UFT New Contract Salary Schedule
The UFT’s new contract, which was ratified in 2023, includes a new salary schedule for teachers. The schedule increases teacher salaries based on their years of experience.
Under the new schedule, teachers with no experience will earn a base salary of $72,120 in the 2023-2024 school year. A teacher with five years of experience will earn a base salary of $80,100, and a teacher with 10 years of experience will earn a base salary of $88,080.
In addition to the base salary, teachers can also earn additional pay for things like working overtime, coaching extracurricular activities, or taking on leadership roles.
NYC DOE Salary Schedule
The NYC DOE also has a salary schedule for teachers. The schedule is similar to the UFT’s salary schedule, but there are some differences.
For example, the NYC DOE’s salary schedule includes a higher starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree.
UFT Paraprofessional Salary Upgrade Requirements
The UFT has a number of requirements that paraprofessionals must meet in order to upgrade their salary. These requirements include:
- Achieving a certain level of education
- Passing a proficiency exam
- Completing a certain number of hours of professional development
The specific requirements vary depending on the paraprofessional’s job title.
UFT Salary Schedule Paraprofessional
The UFT has a salary schedule for paraprofessionals. The schedule is based on the paraprofessional’s job title, experience, and education level.
For example, a paraprofessional with no experience and a high school diploma will earn a base salary of $28,750 in the 2023-2024 school year. A paraprofessional with five years of experience and an associate’s degree will earn a base salary of $34,250.
NYC DOE Teacher Salary Steps Explained
The NYC DOE’s salary schedule for teachers is based on a system of steps. Teachers move up the steps based on their years of experience.
For example, a teacher with one year of experience will be on step 1 of the salary schedule. A teacher with five years of experience will be on step 5.
In addition to the steps, teachers can also earn additional pay for things like working overtime, coaching extracurricular activities, or taking on leadership roles.
In addition to their salary and benefits, UFT teachers also receive numerous professional development opportunities. The UFT provides a wide range of professional development opportunities for its members, including workshops, conferences, and online courses. These opportunities are designed to help teachers improve their teaching skills and stay current with the latest educational trends and best practices. The UFT also provides funding for professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and stipends for attending conferences and workshops.
Finally, the UFT teacher salary and benefits package also includes a number of other perks, including a generous leave policy, flexible schedules, and access to discounted tickets to cultural and sporting events. Teachers can also participate in a variety of committees and professional organizations, and are encouraged to take an active role in shaping education policy and advocacy efforts.
In conclusion, the UFT teacher salary and benefits package is a comprehensive and competitive package that provides UFT members with a secure source of income, comprehensive health insurance coverage, a defined benefit pension plan, and numerous professional development opportunities. The UFT teacher salary and benefits package is designed to support and reward teachers for their hard work and dedication, and is a key aspect of the UFT’s commitment to ensuring that its members have the resources and support they need to succeed. Whether you are just starting your teaching career or are a veteran teacher, the UFT teacher salary and benefits package provides a strong foundation for success and well-being.