If you are a teacher in New York City, you may be wondering how much you will earn in 2025 and what changes are coming to your contract and differential. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Department of Education (DOE) have agreed on a new contract that will be effective from September 14, 2023 to September 13, 2025. This contract includes salary increases, retroactive pay, new salary schedules, and other benefits for UFT members. In this article, we will explain the main features of the new contract and how they affect your salary and differential.

Salary Increases

The new contract provides for a total of 7.5% salary increase over the course of two years. The salary increase will be distributed as follows:

• 2% increase on September 14, 2023
• 2.5% increase on May 14, 2024
• 3% increase on May 14, 2025

These increases will apply to all UFT members, including teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, therapists, lab specialists, and others. The salary increases will also be retroactive to February 14, 2020, meaning that UFT members will receive back pay for the period from February 14, 2020 to September 13, 2023. The retroactive pay will be paid in five installments starting from October 31, 2023 and ending on October 31, 2025.

The 2025 UFT Teacher Salary Schedule

The UFT salary schedule is a dynamic grid that factors in two primary elements: steps (years of service) and differentials (additional education and certifications). As you accrue more experience, you move up the “steps,” and as you gain further qualifications, you move across the “lanes” with differentials.

While the exact and exhaustive 2025 UFT Teacher Salary Schedule is extensive and can be found on the official UFT website, we can outline the general structure and highlight key aspects that impact your earnings:

• Steps (Years of Service): Teachers automatically progress through steps with satisfactory service, typically moving two steps per year (e.g., 1A and 1B) for each year worked up to a certain point (e.g., Step 8B). This ensures consistent pay raises as your experience grows.
• Differentials (Education Credits): These are significant pay increases for academic coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree. They are not automatic; you must apply for them. Common differentials include:
  • BA+30/C2 (First Differential): Requires 30 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree (can be undergraduate, graduate, or a combination).
  • C2+ID (Intermediate Differential): For those who have earned their first differential and an additional 60 credits beyond the bachelor’s.
  • C2+PD (Promotional Differential): Generally achieved with a Master’s degree, or 36 credits in an approved subject area (undergraduate, graduate, or combination).
  • MA+30/C6 (Second Differential): For specific trade subjects or a bachelor’s degree plus 60 additional credits.
  • National Board Certification: Achieving this highly respected certification also qualifies for a salary differential.

Key takeaway for 2025: A new 3% salary increase is effective as of January 18, 2025, which will be reflected across the salary schedule. This means both new and experienced teachers will see an bump in their base pay.

Understanding the New Contract’s Impact

While specific details of the entire 2025 contract are comprehensive and encompass various aspects beyond salary, the core elements affecting teacher compensation generally revolve around:

• Salary Increases: The 3% increase effective January 18, 2025, is a direct result of recent negotiations.
• Continued Step Movement: The contract ensures the automatic progression through salary steps based on years of service.
• Differential Structures: The mechanisms and eligibility for salary differentials largely remain consistent, encouraging ongoing professional development.
• Benefits: While not directly part of the salary schedule, the contract also outlines health benefits, pension contributions, and other crucial aspects of a teacher’s overall compensation package.

For the most precise and up-to-date information on the complete contract, consulting the official UFT website’s “Contracts” section is always recommended.

Annual to Daily Salary Calculation Table (Illustrative Examples for 2025)

To provide a clear understanding of what annual salaries translate to on a daily basis, here’s an illustrative table. Please note that these are estimates for 2025, based on current publicly available information and an assumed 180-day school year (which can vary slightly by district). Your actual daily rate will depend on your specific step, differentials, and the exact number of paid workdays in the academic year.

Annual Salary (Estimated for 2025)	Monthly Pay (Est. 12 months)	Weekly Pay (Est. 52 weeks)	Daily Pay (Est. 180 workdays)
$64,789 (Entry-Level BA)	$5,399.08	$1,245.94	$359.94
$72,832 (Entry-Level MA)	$6,069.33	$1,400.62	$404.62
$99,558 (BA, 8 Years Exp.)	$8,296.50	$1,914.58	$553.10
$108,410 (MA, 8 Years Exp.)	$9,034.17	$2,084.81	$602.28
$141,384 (BA, 22+ Years Exp.)	$11,782.00	$2,718.92	$785.47
$150,236 (MA, 22+ Years Exp.)	$12,519.67	$2,889.15	$834.64

Other Benefits

The new contract also includes other benefits for UFT members, such as:

• A one-time lump sum payment of $1,000 for all UFT members who were active on June 30, 2025 This payment is in recognition of the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by UFT members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A new health insurance plan that will offer lower premiums and copays for UFT members and their dependents. The new plan will be effective from January 1, 2024 and will be administered by EmblemHealth.
• A new pension option that will allow UFT members who are eligible for retirement to retire with full benefits at age 55 with at least 25 years of service. This option will be available for a limited time from September 14, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
• A new professional development fund will provide $25 million per year for UFT members to pursue advanced degrees or certifications in high-needs areas such as special education, bilingual education, STEM, or literacy. The fund will also cover the cost of tuition and fees for up to six credits per semester at any CUNY college or university.

10 Most Asked FAQs about UFT Teacher Salaries and Differentials

1. How do I apply for a salary differential?

You must apply for differentials through the NYC Department of Education’s Salary Application System. It’s crucial to apply within six months of earning the qualifying credits or within six months of your start date as a new teacher to receive retroactive pay.

2. What is the difference between salary steps and differentials?

Salary “steps” are automatic increases based on your years of satisfactory service. “Differentials” are increases based on additional academic coursework, degrees, or certifications beyond your initial bachelor’s degree, and require an application.

3. Can I earn multiple differentials?

Yes, it is possible to be eligible for and receive multiple differentials simultaneously, as outlined in the UFT salary schedule. For example, you can have a Master’s degree differential and also qualify for another based on additional credits.

4. How often are salary differentials paid out?

Differentials are typically paid out as of February 1, July 1, and September 1, for coursework completed in the previous fall, spring, and summer semesters, respectively.

5. What counts as “credits” for salary differentials? Credits can include undergraduate or graduate courses, as well as professional development activities approved by the Chancellor. CLEP exams can also contribute to differential eligibility.

6. Is there a specific type of Master’s degree required for the promotional differential? While a Master’s degree generally qualifies you for the promotional differential (C2+PD), it’s important to verify that your specific program aligns with UFT guidelines or that you have the required 36 credits in an approved subject matter area.

7. How does previous teaching experience outside of NYC count towards my salary? The NYC Department of Education typically grants salary credit for previous paid, full-time teaching experience, which determines your initial salary step upon appointment. You must provide documentation to receive this credit.

8. Where can I find the official and most up-to-date UFT salary schedule? The most accurate and current salary schedule is always available on the official United Federation of Teachers (UFT) website, usually under the “Salary” or “Contracts” section.

9. Do UFT teachers receive longevity increases? Yes, in addition to steps and differentials, UFT members typically receive longevity increases as they reach certain milestones in their years of service within the NYC public school system. These are separate from the step increases.

10. What if I have questions about my specific salary calculation or eligibility? Your school’s UFT chapter leader is an excellent first point of contact. You can also contact the UFT directly for assistance with salary inquiries and differential applications.

Conclusion

The new contract between the UFT and the DOE is a historic achievement that will improve the working conditions and compensation of UFT members. The contract reflects the value and respect that UFT members deserve for their dedication and professionalism. The contract also supports the educational goals and needs of the students and families of New York City.

If you are a UFT member, you should review the details of the new contract and how it affects your salary and differential. You can find more information on the UFT website or contact your chapter leader or district representative if you have any questions.