The amount of your paycheck depends on:

• The salary schedule that the union and the city negotiate in the contract.
• How long you have been teaching.
• Credits and degrees you earn beyond your bachelor’s degree.

For a full guide and explanation for all titles click(Guide to Salary Step and Differentials).

 Maximize Your Earnings

You can increase your earnings, above and beyond the contractual starting salary, in three ways:

1.  Qualify for differentials.

Salary differential is based on academic credit/coursework/degrees earned beyond your bachelor's degree. All school-based staff (except per diem day-to-day) can apply for salary differential. All teachers, except per diem day-to-day can apply for salary differential as long as you have at least 30 credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Each differen­tial can add thousands of dollars to your annu­al earnings – permanently – and cumulative differentials can make a big difference in your earning power.

 Differentials include those for completing:

• 30 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree (C2).
• A master’s degree or 36 credits in an approved subject matter area (C2+PD, known as the Promotional Differential).
• If you have 60 credits beyond your BA including your master’s credits you could be eligible for the Intermediate Differential (C2+PD+ID)
• 30 credits beyond a master’s degree (C6+PD). You also qualify for C6+PD by earn­ing certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Differentials are not automatically awarded. You must apply for them within six months of completing your coursework.

Differentials are paid as of Feb. 1, July 1 and Sept. 1, respectively, for work you’ve complet­ed in the previous fall, spring and summer semesters.

For example, if you complete your course­work by Jan. 31 and file by July 1, the DOE will pay your differential in the fall semester with arrears back to Feb. 1.

2.  Move through the salary steps.

You’ll earn more money the longer you stay in the system.

For the first eight years, these are called “steps.” If you teach without interruption, you will move two steps (e.g. 1A and 1B) for each year you work, increasing your earnings up to Step 8B.

You will automatically receive pay increases based on salary steps on your anniversary date and on March 1.

Beyond Step 8B, you will receive “longevity” increments — also called “longevities” — after you have taught in New York City for 10, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 years.

3. Apply for prior service salary credit.

If you taught in another school system or, for certain licenses, had non-teaching experience related to your license area, you may qualify for salary credit and placement on a step above 1A up to as high as Step 8B.  Salary Step Placement is based on previous paid full-time teaching experience and/or related non-teaching experience. All teachers (except substitute teachers and paraeducators day-to-day), school secretaries, guidance counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers can apply for a change in salary step.

For salary scales and forms, click here.

Longevity Increases

Only a regularly appointed teacher may receive longevity increases. After Step 8B, longevity increases are listed for 10, 13, 15, 18, 20, and 22 years of service in the New York City public schools. The increase is issued when an individual completes the indicated number of years. Employees become eligible for longevity payments on the employee’s longevity eligibility date. The salary increase for longevity should be reflected in the payroll check generated for the pay period following the employee’s eligibility date. A longevity increase becomes part of the teacher’s base salary and is immediately pensionable.

Service in the calculation of longevity time includes:
• Regular appointed full time service
• Regular substitute service
• Recertified service
• Annualized service under a Certificate of Competency (with a basic license)
• Per diem service (85-169 days=1 term)
• Salary credit or outside experience if granted prior to April 12, 1971

The following types of service are not included in calculating longevity credits even though they are included in the calculation of seniority lists:

• Layoff time
• Service as a paraprofessional
• Service on a per session basis
• Inactive time for which no seniority credit is granted
• Veteran’s credit
• Blind disability credit
• Service with a Certificate of Competency without a basic license

Salary Differential FAQs

What is a salary differential?
Salary differential is based on academic credit/coursework/degrees earned beyond the Bachelor’s degree.

Who can apply for salary differential?
All teachers (except substitute teachers), clinicians (guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and laboratory specialists) and school secretaries can apply for salary differential.

When do I apply for salary differential?
Teachers can apply when they have completed at least 30 credits beyond their Bachelor’s degree.  School guidance counselors, social workers and psychologists can apply when they have completed a 60 credit master’s degree in their license area.  School secretaries can apply when they have completed at least 60 credits of coursework.

How do I apply for salary differential?
You can apply by downloading an application from the forms area of the DHR website, completing the application and attaching all required original transcripts.

How long will it take for the processing of my application?
Approximately between 4-6 weeks.

Salary Step FAQs

What is a salary step?
Salary step is granted based on both prior full-time teaching experience and/or related non-teaching experience. You will move a step for each semester of satisfactory service completed.  The maximum step is 8B for teachers, guidance counselors and school secretaries; 7B for school psychologists and school social workers.  After step 8B/7B there are longevity increases for 10, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 years of service in the NYC public schools.  Please note that non-appointed teachers, clinicians or school secretaries can not move past step 4A.

Who can apply for salary step?
All teachers (except substitute teachers), clinicians, school secretaries and laboratory specialists.

When do I apply for salary step?
Upon being newly hired or newly appointed/certified.

How do I apply for salary step?
You can apply via RMS (the online application) once you are employed or by using a paper application which you can download from our website.

Do I need to apply yearly for salary step placement?
No, unless you have changed titles (i.e teacher to guidance counselor) or have returned from a leave of absence.

How do I receive longevity?
The Office of Pedagogical Payroll calculates your years of service and implements payment.

How many years of initial credit am I eligible for?
Teachers are initially eligible for a maximum of 7.5 years of credit.  Clinicians and school secretaries are initially eligible for a maximum of 5 years of credit.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?
If submission is electronic via RMS, you will be placed on the correct salary step within 1-2 pay periods.  If submission is by paper application it may take approximately 4-6 weeks.