--- title: "A career that pays off – competitive salaries in teaching" url: "https://teachwestlondon.org.uk/news/2025-11-09-a-career-that-pays-off-competitive-salaries-in-teaching" school: "Teach West London" --- [Train to Teach with Teach West London in 2027-28 - learn more and apply today.](https://teachwestlondon.org.uk/initial-teacher-training/why-train-with-teach-west-london) # A career that pays off – competitive salaries in teaching ![Image of A career that pays off – competitive salaries in teaching ](https://files.schudio.com/teach-west-london/images/news/website_banner(4).png) 9 November 2025 Teaching in London has always been about more than the paycheck. It’s about helping young people write their futures, supporting communities, and being part of something greater than yourself. But today, teaching isn’t just a passion, it’s also becoming a competitive career path. With the latest 4% increase in teachers’ pay, salaries in London are catching attention, especially for those early in their careers who may be considering if teaching can provide both purpose and a secure future. ![](https://teachwestlondon.org.uk/images/news/e189605537ed7acb60194c4c1b0853fd.png)*Information taken from the UK Government’s ‘[Teacher Pay’](https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/life-as-a-teacher/pay-and-benefits/teacher-pay) webpage. Figures apply from 1 September 2025.* Here’s what this looks like in practical terms. Take Nerita for instance. After completing her initial teacher training with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), Nerita landed her first teaching job in an Inner London school at an annual starting salary of £40,317. Not only can teaching be rewarding in the classroom, but a starting salary of over £40,000 could also offer stability in one of the country’s most vibrant (and costly) cities. If Nerita had started in Outer London, she would still be looking at a competitive starting salary of £37,870. And this is just the beginning. As Nerita - and other teachers like her - grow in their career, the salary range extends to reflect that experience and responsibility with experienced qualified teachers earning up to £62,496 in Inner London and teachers in leadership positions can earn anywhere from £68,361 to £153,490. These are not just salaries; they are acknowledgments of the commitment, expertise, and influence teachers and school leaders bring to their schools and communities. ### Training salaries – earning while learning Some teacher trainees can even begin earning right away if they [qualify](https://teachwestlondon.org.uk/initial-teacher-training/who-can-teach) for a salaried route. As unqualified teachers, trainees can earn £28,343 in Inner London or £26,789 in Outer London. For those passionate about education, the ability to start earning while training is invaluable, especially in areas like London, where expenses can be high. For more information about salaried routes into teaching, visit our ‘[about our courses’](https://teachwestlondon.org.uk/initial-teacher-training/about-our-courses) page. ### More than just a job Teachers like Nerita are shaping lives, and they are doing so with the reassurance of a salary that lets them live well and look forward to the future. It’s stories like hers that underscore the real value of competitive teacher salaries in London -not just for attracting talent, but for building a strong and dedicated teaching force for the next generation. For more details on how to start your teaching journey or take the next step, visit our [How to Apply](https://teachwestlondon.org.uk/initial-teacher-training/how-to-apply) webpage. 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