Do Teachers Get Paid in the Summer? – 15 Best Side Hustles For Teachers

Are you in the teaching profession? As a student, you always welcomed summer as a well-deserved vacation time. But now that you’re a teacher, you might be curious if you’ll still have that break and if teachers get paid during the summer.

During the summer break, students and teachers do not have regular classes for 6 to 7 weeks. Does this mean teachers won’t be compensated during that period? 

This seems unfair: teachers are not exactly on vacation since they still have a lot of school-related work to do during that period.

In this article, we’ll look into school teachers’ pay structure and schedule, the various job requirements teachers have to fulfill even when classes are out, and a few ways to earn extra money during the summer break. 

Let’s find out whether teachers are on the summer payroll even when there are no classes.

Do Teachers Get Paid in the Summer?

Teachers are typically contracted to work a certain number of months during the academic year. Depending on their contract and the policies of their school district or educational institution, they may receive summer pay for the months they are not actively teaching. This summer pay can take different forms, depending on the teacher’s and their employer’s agreement.

Some teachers may receive a prorated salary for the months they worked during the academic year. For example, if a teacher is contracted to work for 10 months and earns $50,000 for the year, they may receive $5,000 per month during the academic year and a final payment of $10,000 in the summer to compensate them for the remaining 2 months of work.

Some teachers may have the option to spread their salary over 12 months. This means they would receive the same monthly payment, even during the summer months when they are not teaching. This option can provide teachers with a more stable income throughout the year but may result in a slightly lower monthly salary during the academic year.

Teachers may also work during the summer months to supplement their income. 

Some school districts offer summer school or other educational programs where teachers can work for additional pay. They may be able to find other employment opportunities during the summer months to earn extra income. The specifics of a teacher’s compensation during the summer months will depend on their circumstances and their agreement with their employer.

How Often Do Teachers Get Paid? 

Teachers receive their paychecks in different ways, frequently based on the school district’s salary schedule policies. 

The majority will receive a paycheck every 2 weeks (26 pay periods per year), twice a month (24 pay periods per year), or monthly (12 pay periods per year). The teacher is assumed to divide their salary for 10 months of labor over the year.

Most instructors agree to an annual contract outlining the amount of paid working days and hours. A typical contract would include 180–190 days of in-class teaching or teacher in-service days spread out over an academic year from August to May.

How Much Do Teachers Make a Year?

The National Education Association, the labor union in the education sector, reports that the average teacher salary was $66,397 for the past academic year. Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) breaks down the median annual wage for teachers as $61,820 (high school), $ 66,880 (middle school), and $61,350 (elementary). 

The average teacher salary varies significantly throughout public school districts based on degrees and years of experience. 

A full-time teacher in New York City with a bachelor’s degree and no previous teaching experience would earn $61,070 annually. A teacher with a master’s degree and 8 years of classroom experience can expect an entry-level salary of $83,972. In Mississippi, a high school math teacher can make just $41,500 based on years of experience.

Remembering that a teacher’s normal work week differs from those of other professions is critical. Although classes are in session from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., instructors still have a ton of work to do relating to school outside of those hours.

Do Teachers Get Overtime Pay?

Usually, no overtime salary is paid to teachers, which implies that teachers are compensated for performing a job. Teachers agree to work a specific number of days under a contract. The contract stipulates the teachers’ responsibilities and the required daily minimum hours. 

The contract also says teachers must attend several meetings after regular business hours without being paid extra. These are necessary meetings that fall under a professional duty, such as faculty and parent meetings. 

While instructors work significantly less than the typical 240 annual workdays, teachers work hard outside the classroom.

Teachers may put in a lot of unpaid hours due to the preparation of the curriculum, grading, communication with parents and other staff members, after-school events, and continuing education seminars. Furthermore, many teachers also spend part of their income buying instructional materials for their classes.

Teacher’s Extra Summer Work 

Training Coursework

Teachers must meet licensing standards like other professions, which require further education or graduate-level coursework in several states. During the academic year, teachers can do this, but many choose not to.

Managing responsibilities for the school year, having a family, and handling a course load can be difficult. Consequently, enrolling in university classes during the summer is common, particularly for instructors trying to advance their careers and needing extra degrees or certifications. Few districts will pay for the extra time, but some will pay for the courses.

Preparation for the School Year

The start of the school year needs to be well-planned. The enormous time demands of the school year can be managed by having a defined instructional map, established course structures, and prepared assessments.

Things will quickly go wrong if you try to wing it during a tumultuous year. It’s challenging to write things down during an academic year, especially with standards and content evaluations continually changing. As a result, many teachers prepare for these tasks throughout or, at least, during a portion of their summer holiday.

If the school or classroom has changed, teachers must also set the physical classroom up to meet standards.

Teacher Assignments

If students can opt for extra-curricular activities, teachers are required to take on special assignments outside the classroom. These assignments may range from assisting co-teachers and school administrators to conducting special education for differently-abled students. 

Due to fluctuating enrollment and turnover, teacher assignments also vary often. It takes time to assemble a productive team of teachers who collaborate in preparing lessons, which is a beneficial practice.

Summer Side Hustles for Teachers

1. Participation in Research Studies 

Research studies are activities that try to learn more information about various topics. Many money-making opportunities exist for teachers ready to join these researches as summer side gigs. 

Pro tip: Sign up for several survey sites to earn more money. Only choose the highest-paying surveys to earn more money and save time. 

Research studies can also include focus group discussions, product testing, or clinical trials. Anyone may do these tasks, which often don’t require much time and are financially rewarding. 

You might make from $50–300 in a single day, depending on the nature of the research study and the extent of your participation.

2. Proofreading and Editing

When you proofread, you review a piece of writing to look for grammar flaws. If you have an eye for spotting typos and mistakes, becoming a proofreader may be something to consider. As an online proofreader, you can work from anywhere – as long as you have your computer with you and an internet connection. 

3. Blog Writing

Teachers can produce articles in any area of expertise and publish them on their blogs to get extra money during the summer.

Check this guide on how to start a blog in 15 minutes.

4. Transcription 

Working as a transcriber or transcriptionist involves listening to an audio recording and typing what is being said. If you are good at grammar and can pay keen attention to details, you have the potential to excel as a transcriptionist on various online platforms.

5. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing ranks highly on our list of summer jobs because you can work as much as you like throughout the summer and then reduce your workload if necessary once classes resume.

You can sell your skills as a freelance writer at numerous online job platforms that bring employers and freelance workers together.

6. Online English Tutorial

Since instructors are already doing it full-time during the academic year, teaching English could be a terrific method to earn additional money online. English as a second language (ESL) is popular, and many people are looking for someone to teach them English, preferably native English speakers. 

7. Online Tutor/Reviewer 

Online teaching can pay you even more than you expected if you choose a subject in which you are an expert. Elementary, middle, high school, and college students need tutoring help in language and other in-demand subjects like Math and Science. 

You can even help students prepare for entrance examinations such as the CSAT. 

Translate your teaching skills into cash now with this list of the best online tutoring jobs. 

8. Virtual Assistance

A virtual assistantship is ideal if you are good at organizing (files, schedules, tasks, etc.) and adept at using social media. Virtual assistants are extremely popular now, as many online business owners need VAs to help grow their social media and business. You can get paid to scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok.

9. Meta Ads Management

If you are tech-savvy and skilled in analytics, you can work as a Meta Ads manager and earn a ton of money.

10. Bookkeeping

If you enjoy numbers or have some accounting experience, bookkeeping might be your ideal side hustle. You can do the job online, set your own hours, and work from anywhere. 

11. Dog Walker

One of the most enjoyable summer occupations you may have is walking dogs. Dog walking can be a rewarding and flexible option. It allows teachers to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and earn extra income during their summer break.

12. Product Flipping 

Flipping merchandise entails purchasing something for a pittance (or for nothing!) and then reselling it for a profit. Such a buy-and-sell enterprise aims to have a large profit margin. 

13. Delivery Driving 

Teachers who want low-stress summer employment can consider this because they can choose their working hours. Whether it’s delivering packages or meals, teachers can leverage their organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure prompt and accurate deliveries.

14. Search Engine Evaluation 

Working as a Search Engine Evaluator is one of the most interesting online summer jobs for teachers to earn some additional money. You will examine search engine results to ensure accuracy and compliance with the company’s standards and requirements. 

You can earn an average of $15 an hour when work is available. Check out Lionbridge, where you can rate, interpret, and translate search engine results. A similar company, Appen, offers additional small tasks besides search engine evaluation. 

15. Camp Counseling

Another way for teachers to make money is by working as camp counselors, which is a fantastic opportunity to stay active and productive. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Do Teachers Get Paid in the Summer?

Do Teachers Get Paid for 52 Weeks a Year?

Most teachers are not paid for 52 weeks a year as they are contracted to work for a specific number of months during the academic year, typically between 9-10 months. 

They receive a regular salary that may be divided into equal payments over 12 months.

What Type of Teacher Gets Paid the Most?

The highest-paid teachers are professors; they teach college classes, assess students’ work, and develop course materials; they may also engage in research and laboratory work, the results of which they usually publish in academic journals and publications. A master’s degree is the minimum requirement for college teaching positions.

A university or college professor may expect to make about $78,470 a year, depending on the state, position, and employment status. Professors can expect to make between $39,700 and $175,000. Professors specializing in law typically earn more than professors teaching in other subjects or professions.

What Do Teachers Do in the Summer?

Many instructors take advantage of the opportunity to earn extra money over the summer to complement their normal salaries. Getting a second job or launching a side business is a couple of ways instructors might get extra money over the summer.

A teacher would appreciate an extra $1,000 monthly, given that teaching isn’t among the highest-paying occupations. Teachers also find side jobs like blog writing, online tutoring, and research assistantships over the summers.

For instance, a history teacher might design history lesson plans for elementary school kids. You could also use Canva to design grammar exercises that you can sell if you teach language arts. 

Conclusion – Do Teachers Get Paid in the Summer

While teachers do not exactly get paid during summer, they usually sign a contract providing their yearly salary’s payout terms. Depending on the school district, teachers have the option to choose between a 10-month or a 12-month payment plan for their annual salary. So they can still receive a paycheck even during no-school summer months.

Knowing your receivables will make your summer schedule go more smoothly, regardless of your summer workload or vacation plans. And, as suggested above, you can also increase your income during this break by taking on a summer side hustle. 

Whether you are still considering becoming a teacher or have already started your new school job, we hope you found the information in this article helpful.