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Learn more about average salaries, cost of living, and expenses in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Salaries

Salaries range from $46,500 to $50,000 for traditional teachers in Philadelphia. Corps members are independently hired by local schools or districts. They are responsible for obtaining certification and employment and are not paid by Teach For America. 

Benefits

  • Health benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision care
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
  • Family-planning services
  • Vaccinations (e.g., flu shots)
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement benefits

Moving Costs

We have attempted to capture what our corps members report spending before their first paycheck, which is at the end of September, in the table below. This is an approximation and is not comprehensive. Every corps member will have a unique transitional experience. Please use it as a guide rather than an absolute.

Moving costs:
$1,000 for Rent + deposit
$200-300 Furniture
$100 Utilities
$110-200 Out of state vehicle registration or $25-100 SEPTA Key Pass
$60-300 U-Haul (not recommended to U-Haul cross country – approx. $5,000)
$80-300 Travel (air/bus/train)
$50 Background checks (FBI Fingerprints, Child Abuse, Criminal History)
$200 Start-up school supplies

Rent & Utilities

Rent: ~ $725/mo (with a roommate)

Living Expenses

  • Rent: ~ $725/mo (with a roommate)
  • Phone, Internet, Utilities: ~ $200/mo
  • Transportation: ~ $91/mo
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $1,016

Transportation

Most corps members find that public transportation is the best way to get around Philadelphia.