I don't know about those states, but in the US a graduate degree is not typically required to start teaching. There may be a requirement to earn a graduate degr

I don't know about those states, but in the US a graduate degree is not typically required to start teaching. There may be a requirement to earn a graduate degree within a certain period, but often not a hard requirement, more a soft "get this if you want a promotion" requirement. Instead they have to get (and maintain) certifications to keep their job. They can be hired without the certifications on a provisional basis. https://www.gadoe.org/Finance-and-Business-Operations/Budget-Services/Documents/FY24%20State%20Salary%20Schedule.pdf https://www.gadoe.org/Finance-and-Business-Operations/Budget... Going with the state whose schools I'm most familiar with. In GA those are the base salaries. Districts can increase the pay if they have the funding. Sometimes for specific fields only, math teachers in one county were getting paid almost 50% extra for a while due to a severe shortage a decade or so back. If you don't get a graduate degree most teachers will cap out at T-4 or T-5, which this year maxes at $58k and $66k with 21+ years of experience. If you earn through an EdD [0] you'll be at the T-7 level which is $81k. $23k or 15k difference [0] Doctorate of education, often a non-dissertation degree with a large practicum component, tedious to earn more than hard to earn.