Teachers are paid in accordance with a standard “step and lane” model, so in any given district, teachers with the same grade level certification and years in the field will earn the same salary, regardless of the content area they teach. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school teachers were earning a median annual salary of $62,870 as of 2020. How much a teacher makes varies from state to state, especially when comparing public to private or charter. Teachers can always increase their pay through years of experience and furthering their education with a master’s degree in education or other related fields. Drama teachers can also earn more money by producing a strong drama program. When a drama program is well established and successful, it brings in money, for the district, the program, and the teacher. Especially in the larger school districts, drama teachers that win awards, grants, and certificates bring recognition to their school, boosting their reputation and status, and providing an incentive for school districts to pay quality drama teachers more, in hopes of securing their return. Drama teachers can also increase their standing in a district along with their pay by pursuing leadership and supervisory roles within their school and district. If provided the opportunity, a drama teacher can pursue teaching courses at their local college or university. Presenting at teacher workshops is also a viable way to increase your salary and get the most out of a drama teacher career.