How much do teachers earn in Vancouver, British Columbia? Teacher salaries in Vancouver depend on the school district, teaching qualifications, recognized experience, employment status and type of school. Public-school teachers are generally paid according to a negotiated salary grid rather than one fixed salary for every teacher.
For teachers employed by the Vancouver School District (School District No. 39), the salary grid is organized by qualification category and experience step. The official 2026 grid became effective on July 1, 2026.
This guide focuses on Vancouver public-school salaries while also explaining the differences between elementary, secondary, kindergarten, special education, independent-school and international-school teaching positions.
The official School District No. 39 salary grid lists annual salaries ranging from CAD $64,901 to CAD $116,190, depending on qualification category and salary step.
The highest published amount is for Category 6/M at Step 10. The Category 4 scale has no Step 10 amount in the published grid.
These are gross annual salary figures, not take-home pay. Your actual salary depends on your assessed qualifications, recognized experience and employment arrangement.
Source: BC Public School Employers' Association, School District No. 39 Vancouver Teachers' Salary Grid, effective July 1, 2026. The figures are specific to the Vancouver School District and should not automatically be applied to every school district in Metro Vancouver.
The Vancouver School District publishes a salary grid with four salary columns: Category 4, Category 5, Category 6/PA and Category 6/M. Each column represents a different qualification classification under the applicable employment and salary rules.
The salary step reflects recognized experience and the employee's placement on the salary scale. The following figures are the official annual salaries effective July 1, 2026.
| Salary Step | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6/PA | Category 6/M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $64,901 | $71,220 | $77,058 | $78,184 |
| 2 | $67,970 | $74,594 | $80,760 | $81,887 |
| 3 | $71,037 | $77,971 | $84,462 | $85,587 |
| 4 | $74,105 | $81,346 | $88,164 | $89,291 |
| 5 | $77,174 | $84,720 | $91,864 | $92,991 |
| 6 | $80,239 | $88,097 | $95,567 | $96,693 |
| 7 | $83,307 | $91,471 | $99,271 | $100,395 |
| 8 | $86,375 | $94,847 | $102,971 | $104,097 |
| 9 | $93,372 | $98,222 | $106,672 | $107,799 |
| 10 | — | $106,060 | $114,668 | $116,190 |
All figures are Canadian dollars (CAD) and represent annual gross salary. The dash means that no Category 4 Step 10 amount is shown in the published July 1, 2026 grid. Always confirm your individual placement with the employer.
Official document: Download the Vancouver School District 2026 Teacher Salary Grid (PDF) .
British Columbia uses the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) to assess academic qualifications for salary-category purposes in the public-school system. The TQS category is based on academic preparation, while recognized teaching experience is assessed separately by the employing school district.
A teacher's salary therefore depends on two important factors:
The Vancouver salary grid uses the local labels Category 4, Category 5, Category 6/PA and Category 6/M. Teachers should not assume that a degree title alone automatically determines their salary category. The TQS and the district's salary-placement rules must be considered.
Category 4 is one of the qualification classifications shown in the Vancouver salary grid. Teachers whose qualifications are assessed at this level are paid according to the Category 4 column and their recognized experience step.
Category 5 is a higher qualification classification than Category 4 in the salary structure. Additional academic preparation may allow an eligible teacher to qualify for an upgraded TQS category.
The Vancouver grid publishes separate Category 6/PA and Category 6/M columns. These are distinct local salary classifications. The correct placement depends on the qualification documentation and the applicable Vancouver employment rules.
If you hold a graduate degree, professional master's qualification or additional post-degree coursework, contact the TQS and Vancouver School District Human Resources before assuming which Category 6 column applies.
The TQS assesses academic qualifications and issues a category. The school district determines acceptable experience and applies the relevant salary grid. The TQS does not calculate the exact salary for every school district.
Official information: Teacher Qualification Service – Categories .
The official 2026 Vancouver salary grid provides a range of annual salaries. The amount a teacher earns depends on their category and step.
For example, a teacher placed at Step 3 would have the following annual gross salary under the published grid:
| Qualification Category | Annual Gross Salary at Step 3 |
|---|---|
| Category 4 | CAD $71,037 |
| Category 5 | CAD $77,971 |
| Category 6/PA | CAD $84,462 |
| Category 6/M | CAD $85,587 |
These are examples of salary-grid amounts, not a guarantee that every newly hired teacher will be placed at Step 3. The applicable collective agreement, employment status and the employer's assessment determine the actual placement.
The 2025–2029 provincial agreement introduced a provision for newly appointed temporary, term-contract and continuing employees to be placed on the third salary-grid step, subject to the agreement's applicable provisions.
See the official 2025–2029 BC teacher collective bargaining update .
Experience is an important part of salary placement. Teachers with more recognized experience may qualify for a higher salary step than teachers starting their careers.
However, the number of years you have worked as a teacher is not necessarily identical to the number of years credited by a school district. Previous employment must be assessed under the applicable collective agreement and salary-placement rules.
| Career Stage | Typical Situation | Salary Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| New Teacher | Beginning a teaching career | Initial category and experience placement |
| Early Career | Building classroom experience | Movement through salary-grid steps |
| Experienced Teacher | Several years of recognized teaching experience | Higher salary step, subject to district rules |
| Senior Teacher | Longer recognized teaching career | Potential placement at a higher grid step |
| Highly Qualified Teacher | Additional academic qualifications | Potential qualification-category upgrade |
| School Leadership | Principal or vice-principal responsibility | Separate leadership compensation arrangements |
Teachers moving to Vancouver from another province or country should prepare documentation of their previous teaching experience before accepting a position. Previous experience may affect salary placement, but the employer must assess whether it meets the applicable requirements.
Useful documents can include:
Do not assume that every year of teaching in another country will automatically be credited as one full salary step. Ask the Vancouver employer how your experience will be assessed and request confirmation of your initial placement.
Elementary-school teachers in Vancouver work with pupils in the earlier grades of the British Columbia school system. Their responsibilities can include classroom teaching, lesson planning, assessment, communication with parents and supporting students with different learning needs.
In the public-school system, elementary teachers are generally paid under the applicable district teacher salary grid. The salary is not automatically lower than a secondary-school teacher's salary simply because the teacher works at the elementary level.
The qualification category and recognized experience are important factors in determining the salary.
See also: Elementary Teacher Salary in Vancouver .
Secondary-school teachers teach students in the upper grades and may specialize in subjects such as mathematics, science, English, history, business, technology, physical education or languages.
For public-school teachers employed by Vancouver School District, the salary grid is based on qualification category and experience step. A secondary teacher does not automatically receive a different base salary simply because they teach a particular subject.
Additional responsibilities, special assignments or separate allowances may apply in particular circumstances, but these should be checked against the current collective agreement.
See: Secondary Teacher Salary in Vancouver .
Kindergarten is part of British Columbia's public education system. Kindergarten teachers support young children's early learning, communication, social development and preparation for elementary school.
For teachers employed in Vancouver public schools, kindergarten teaching normally falls within the district's teacher salary framework. The salary depends on the teacher's qualification category and recognized experience, rather than a separate citywide kindergarten salary.
See: Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Vancouver .
Special education and inclusive education teachers support students who need additional learning assistance, adapted instruction or specialized educational services.
Responsibilities can include:
Special education teachers employed in regular public-school teaching positions are generally covered by the applicable district teacher salary structure. Specialist qualifications and assignments may affect eligibility for particular roles or allowances, but there is no single separate salary that applies to every special education teacher in Vancouver.
See: Special Education Teacher Salary in Vancouver .
French immersion is an important part of the education options available in Vancouver. Teachers may work in French-language learning environments and teach a range of subjects through French.
French immersion positions can require strong French-language proficiency, appropriate teaching qualifications and the ability to deliver the relevant curriculum.
The salary of a public-school French immersion teacher is generally determined by the applicable district salary grid, qualification category and experience. French immersion does not automatically mean a different base salary category.
See: French Immersion Teacher Salary in Vancouver .
Vancouver has a range of independent and international education options. These schools may offer teaching positions in elementary education, secondary education, languages, mathematics, science, arts and international curricula.
Unlike public-school teachers employed by Vancouver School District, teachers at independent and international schools may work under different employment contracts and salary arrangements.
Salary packages can depend on:
When comparing international-school positions, review the entire employment package rather than looking only at the advertised annual salary.
See: International School Teacher Salary in Vancouver .
Private and independent schools in Vancouver do not necessarily use the same salary grid as the Vancouver School District. Their salary structures may be determined by the individual school, its employment contracts and applicable employment requirements.
Some schools may offer salaries comparable to public-school positions, while others may have different pay scales, working conditions or benefits.
Before accepting a private-school position, ask about:
English teachers in Vancouver may work in public schools, independent schools, language schools, adult education, private tutoring and other education institutions.
The phrase "English teacher" can describe several different jobs. A certified English-language arts teacher in a public secondary school may have a different employment arrangement from an English-as-an-additional-language instructor working at a private language school.
For this reason, there is no single salary that applies to all English teachers in Vancouver.
A recognized teaching qualification, classroom experience and relevant language-teaching credentials can improve employment opportunities.
See: English Teacher Salary in Vancouver .
Adult education and continuing education provide opportunities for teachers who want to work with adult learners, students completing secondary education or people developing new professional skills.
These positions can have different employment structures from regular elementary and secondary school teaching. The salary and conditions depend on the employing institution and the relevant agreement or contract.
Teachers should check whether a vacancy is part of a regular school-district salary grid, an adult-education agreement or a separate employment arrangement.
School principals and vice-principals have leadership responsibilities that are different from those of classroom teachers. Their work can include staff supervision, school administration, budgeting, student support, parent communication and implementation of education policies.
School leadership compensation should not be confused with the classroom teacher salary grid shown above. Principals and vice-principals are generally paid under separate administrative salary arrangements.
Their compensation can depend on:
See: School Principal Salary in Vancouver .
Vancouver is part of a larger metropolitan region. Teachers who are willing to work outside the City of Vancouver may also consider nearby school districts.
However, Metro Vancouver is not one single school district. Different districts publish their own salary grids and local employment provisions.
| School District | District Number | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | 39 | City of Vancouver |
| Richmond | 38 | Richmond |
| Burnaby | 41 | Burnaby |
| New Westminster | 40 | New Westminster |
| Surrey | 36 | Surrey |
| Delta | 37 | Delta |
| North Vancouver | 44 | North Vancouver |
| West Vancouver | 45 | West Vancouver |
| Coquitlam | 43 | Coquitlam and surrounding communities |
| Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows | 42 | Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows |
A teacher considering jobs in several districts should compare the relevant salary grids, qualification rules, experience recognition, benefits and commuting requirements.
Official source: BC Public School Employers' Association – Teacher Salary Grids .
The salary grid is published as an annual gross salary. To make a simple comparison, you can divide the annual salary by 12.
For example, a hypothetical annual salary of CAD $90,000 corresponds to an average of CAD $7,500 per month before deductions when divided by 12. This is an illustration, not a separate monthly salary rate.
| Annual Gross Salary | Monthly Average Before Deductions |
|---|---|
| CAD $70,000 | CAD $5,833 |
| CAD $80,000 | CAD $6,667 |
| CAD $90,000 | CAD $7,500 |
| CAD $100,000 | CAD $8,333 |
| CAD $110,000 | CAD $9,167 |
Your net income will be affected by federal and British Columbia income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance, pension contributions, union dues where applicable, benefit deductions and other personal circumstances.
Do not assume that Vancouver teachers receive a Swiss-style 13th salary. The Vancouver School District salary grid is published as an annual salary schedule, and the applicable employment agreement and payroll arrangements determine how that annual amount is paid.
When comparing an employment offer, ask the employer to confirm the annual salary, pay frequency, deductions, benefits and any additional payments. Do not add a 13th salary to the annual grid amount unless the employment contract specifically provides for an additional payment.
Teachers may be employed on a full-time or part-time basis. A part-time teacher's salary is generally adjusted according to the employment fraction and applicable agreement.
For example, if a position is paid at 80% of a hypothetical full-time annual salary of CAD $90,000, the corresponding gross annual amount would be CAD $72,000.
The actual calculation depends on the position, contract, salary placement and employment provisions. Benefits, pension contributions and other employment conditions may also differ.
British Columbia uses the term Teacher Teaching on Call (TTOC) for teachers who work as substitutes or on-call teachers.
TTOCs may accept daily assignments when regular teachers are absent. This can provide a route into the school system and allow teachers to gain local experience.
TTOC compensation is subject to the applicable collective agreement and salary-placement rules. It should not be confused with the annual salary of a continuing full-time teacher.
Before accepting on-call work, check:
The 2025–2029 provincial agreement contains provisions relating to TTOC experience credit and salary-grid placement. Check the current agreement rather than relying on older online descriptions of daily pay rates.
Useful resource: 2025–2029 BC Provincial Collective Agreement .
Yes. Teachers educated outside Canada may be able to work in Vancouver, but the requirements depend on the school type, teaching position, professional qualifications and immigration status.
For teaching in British Columbia's public K–12 education system, applicants generally need a teaching certificate issued by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care through the Teacher Regulation Branch.
International applicants may have their academic records, teacher education, teaching experience and suitability to work with children assessed. A university degree alone does not automatically qualify someone to teach in the public-school system.
Foreign teachers should investigate certification before assuming that a teaching qualification from another country will be accepted without additional requirements.
Official information: BC Teacher Regulation Branch – International Graduates .
Do not assume that a foreign teaching degree automatically gives you the right to teach in a BC public school. Certification is a separate process. The Teacher Regulation Branch must assess your application and determine the appropriate requirements for your circumstances.
If you completed your teacher education outside Canada, start with the official international-graduate application information from the BC Teacher Regulation Branch.
The assessment can consider:
The application process may require official transcripts, credential assessments, verification of teaching experience, statements of professional standing and other documents. Follow the current document instructions provided by the regulator.
Start here: Government of British Columbia – Become a Teacher .
For required documents, see: Teacher Certification Application – Required Documents .
English is the main language of instruction in most Vancouver public schools. Teachers need the language skills required to teach their subjects, communicate with students and parents, prepare learning materials and work with colleagues.
The Teacher Regulation Branch sets language requirements for certification. The exact evidence required depends on the applicant's education and professional background.
French proficiency may also be relevant for French-language education and French immersion positions.
Applicants should check the regulator's current language requirements rather than relying on a general English-language test score found on an unrelated job website.
British Columbia has different certification arrangements for certain independent-school positions. Teachers at independent schools must hold the appropriate Independent School Teaching Certificate or a Certificate of Qualification, depending on the school and position.
Some restricted certificates are limited to particular school systems, subjects or teaching areas. A restricted certificate should not be assumed to provide the same professional authorization as an unrestricted Certificate of Qualification.
Check the official requirements: BC Independent School Teaching Certificate .
Qualified international applicants can explore different types of teaching and education-related employment in Vancouver. The available positions and eligibility requirements vary by employer.
Public-school positions generally have formal certification requirements. Private and independent employers may have different hiring procedures, but applicants must still meet the certification requirements that apply to their particular school and position.
The Vancouver School District publishes teaching and education-leadership vacancies through its recruitment channels. The district's external job postings are available through the Make a Future recruitment platform.
Useful places to search include:
When searching, use specific terms such as elementary teacher, secondary teacher, teacher teaching on call, French immersion teacher, special education teacher and inclusive education teacher.
Additional academic qualifications can affect a teacher's TQS category. The TQS has specific rules about which degrees, diplomas, integrated programmes and additional coursework are acceptable.
Before paying for a programme with the intention of increasing your salary, check whether it will be accepted for a category upgrade.
Potentially relevant qualifications include:
Official TQS information: TQS Category Requirements .
Teachers who complete additional academic qualifications may be eligible to apply for a higher TQS category. A higher category can lead to a higher salary when the teacher's employer applies the upgraded classification.
The process generally involves:
Do not assume that every master's degree or professional course automatically results in the same salary upgrade. The TQS applies its own regulations and policies.
See: TQS Applications and Category Upgrades .
The BC public-school teacher collective agreement is negotiated by the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) and the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF).
The 2025–2029 provincial agreement covers the period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029. BCPSEA reports general wage increases of 3% per year over the four-year term, totalling 12% over the agreement period.
The agreement also includes provisions relating to salary-grid placement for newly appointed continuing, temporary and term-contract employees. The exact salary payable in Vancouver should be checked against the Vancouver District 39 grid for the relevant effective date.
Official information: BCPSEA – 2025 Teacher Collective Bargaining .
Salary is only one part of a teaching employment package. Public-school teachers should also review the benefits and employment conditions provided under the applicable collective agreement and benefit plans.
Depending on the position and eligibility rules, employment provisions may include:
Eligibility, employer contributions, waiting periods and coverage can vary. Read the applicable employment documents before comparing two offers.
For collective-agreement information, see: BCPSEA – Teacher Collective Agreements .
Eligible public-school teachers in British Columbia generally participate in the BC Teachers' Pension Plan. Pension contributions and retirement benefits are governed by the plan rules.
The pension is an important part of the long-term value of a teaching position. When comparing jobs, consider pension eligibility and contributions alongside the annual gross salary.
Official resource: BC Teachers' Pension Plan .
Vancouver is one of Canada's more expensive cities, particularly when housing costs are considered. A teacher's gross annual salary should therefore be compared with rent, transportation, groceries, taxes and other household expenses.
For example, two teachers earning the same annual salary may have very different disposable incomes depending on whether they rent alone, share accommodation, own a home or support a family.
Before accepting a teaching position, estimate your likely take-home income and compare it with your expected monthly expenses.
Useful ToVancouver guides:
A higher advertised salary does not always mean that one teaching position is better than another. Compare the full employment package before making a decision.
For public-school jobs, request written confirmation of your salary classification and recognized experience before relying on an estimated salary.
| Teaching Position | How Salary Is Determined |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teacher | Generally the applicable public-school district teacher grid |
| Elementary Teacher | Qualification category and recognized experience step |
| Secondary Teacher | Qualification category and recognized experience step |
| Special Education Teacher | Applicable teacher grid, role requirements and any relevant provisions |
| French Immersion Teacher | Applicable teacher grid and qualifications |
| English Teacher | Depends on whether the role is public-school, language-school or private education |
| International School Teacher | Individual school's employment contract and salary policy |
| Private School Teacher | School-specific salary arrangements and applicable requirements |
| Teacher Teaching on Call | Applicable daily rate and collective-agreement provisions |
| School Principal | Separate leadership compensation arrangements |
The official Vancouver School District salary grid effective July 1, 2026 ranges from CAD $64,901 to CAD $116,190 across its published qualification categories and salary steps. The actual salary depends on category, experience and employment status.
The highest amount in the published July 1, 2026 Vancouver School District teacher grid is CAD $116,190 per year for Category 6/M at Step 10. This is a salary-grid amount, not a guaranteed salary for every teacher.
The lowest amount shown in the July 1, 2026 Vancouver School District grid is CAD $64,901 for Category 4 at Step 1. However, actual new-hire placement depends on the applicable collective agreement, qualifications and recognized experience.
Under the July 1, 2026 Vancouver salary grid, Category 5 ranges from CAD $71,220 at Step 1 to CAD $106,060 at Step 10.
The Vancouver grid has separate Category 6/PA and Category 6/M columns. Category 6/PA ranges from CAD $77,058 at Step 1 to CAD $114,668 at Step 10. Category 6/M ranges from CAD $78,184 to CAD $116,190.
Public-school elementary and secondary teachers are generally paid under the applicable district salary grid. Their salary depends on qualification category and recognized experience, not simply the grade level they teach.
Kindergarten teachers employed in Vancouver public schools are generally covered by the district teacher salary framework. Their salary depends on their qualification category and experience step.
Do not assume that Vancouver teachers receive a separate 13th salary. The district publishes annual salary-grid amounts, and the applicable employment and payroll arrangements determine how those amounts are paid.
Yes, if they meet the applicable certification, employment and immigration requirements. Teachers educated outside Canada may need an assessment and a BC teaching certificate before working in the public K–12 system.
Teachers working in British Columbia's K–12 public education sector generally need a teaching certificate issued by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care through the Teacher Regulation Branch.
Previous teaching experience may be considered for salary placement, but it is assessed under the applicable district rules. Provide statements of service and supporting employment documents and ask the employer how much experience will be recognized.
The Teacher Qualification Service evaluates academic qualifications and assigns a category used in determining a teacher's salary in the BC public-school system. The school district separately assesses acceptable experience and applies its salary grid.
TTOC means Teacher Teaching on Call. It is the term used for substitute or on-call teachers who accept assignments when regular teachers are absent. Their pay is governed by the applicable collective agreement.
Not necessarily. Independent schools may use different salary scales, contracts and benefits. Compare the specific school's employment offer with the public-school salary grid.
An eligible graduate degree may help a teacher qualify for a higher TQS category, but the degree must meet the TQS requirements. Teachers should check the category rules before enrolling in a programme intended to increase their salary.
Eligible public-school teachers generally participate in the BC Teachers' Pension Plan. Eligibility and contributions depend on the employment arrangement and plan rules.
Teaching can provide a structured salary scale, professional development and employment benefits. However, housing costs and other living expenses in Vancouver are important factors when evaluating whether a particular salary is sufficient for your household.
Use these official and professional resources to verify salary figures, teacher qualifications, employment conditions and certification requirements.
ToVancouver provides practical guides for people planning to work, study, move or build a career in Vancouver. Explore related salary and employment resources below.