If you work for Atlanta Public Schools (APS)—or you’re thinking about applying—it helps to understand how the APS salary schedule works. Your pay in Atlanta isn’t just a random number; it’s based on a formal structure that takes your job type, education, experience, and certifications into account.
This guide walks you through how APS pay scales are organized, what affects your salary, and how to get accurate, up‑to‑date information as a current or future employee in Atlanta, Georgia.
APS uses a series of salary schedules (or “pay scales”) that set pay ranges for different positions across the district. These schedules typically apply to:
For most employees, pay is determined by a combination of:
APS updates its salary schedules periodically, usually tied to the school year budget approved by the Atlanta Board of Education.
Because salaries can change from year to year, the most reliable source is always APS itself.
You can get current salary schedules by:
Atlanta Public Schools – Central Office
130 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Phone: (404) 802‑3500
You can ask for Human Resources Compensation or Talent Management and request the latest teacher and staff salary schedules, or guidance on how your experience would be credited.
Most people searching for “Atlanta Public Schools salary schedule” are looking for teacher pay. APS, like many Georgia districts, organizes teacher pay in a grid that includes:
Here’s what usually determines your placement on the APS teacher salary schedule:
Degree level
Georgia teacher certification
Years of verified experience
Endorsements and specialist roles
Contract length
Actual numbers change over time, but the layout usually looks something like this:
| Step (Experience) | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Specialist | Doctorate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 years | Base pay | Higher | Higher | Highest |
| 5 years | + increase | + increase | + increase | + increase |
| 10 years | + increase | + increase | + increase | + increase |
The idea is straightforward:
Even if you don’t know the exact amounts, you can estimate where you’d land by matching your years of service and degree level.
If you’re moving into Atlanta from another Georgia district or from out of state, APS will typically:
To help the process go smoothly:
The more complete your documentation, the easier it is for APS to place you on the highest eligible step from the start.
Not everyone in APS is a classroom teacher. The district also posts salary schedules for:
Pay is usually based on:
These schedules often use grades and steps, such as Grade 20, Step 1–20, each with a specific pay rate.
Principals, assistant principals, and other certified administrators in APS are typically on their own administrator salary schedules. Pay depends on:
Roles such as:
are typically organized into pay grades with minimum and maximum ranges. Placement within the range may take your experience and skills into account.
If you’re unsure which schedule applies to your position, Human Resources can typically tell you the job classification and grade for your role.
Your total pay in Atlanta Public Schools may include more than just your base salary.
Common extra pays include:
Coaching stipends
For head and assistant coaches at APS middle and high schools.
Club and activity sponsorships
For leading student organizations, academic teams, or arts groups.
Department chair or grade-level chair stipends
For additional leadership and planning responsibilities.
Extended day or extended year pay
For summer school, after-school programs, or extra contract days.
Hard-to-staff subjects or schools
In some years, APS may offer additional incentives for certain critical shortage areas.
These amounts are usually listed in separate supplement schedules, often reviewed and updated year by year.
If you live and work in Atlanta, it helps to know how paychecks are structured in APS:
Frequency
APS employees are commonly paid on a monthly or semi-monthly basis, depending on their role and contract.
Contract spread
Many teachers choose to spread their annual pay over 12 months, even though the school year is shorter. This provides steady income through summer.
Direct deposit
APS strongly encourages or requires direct deposit, which is standard in metro Atlanta districts.
Payroll-related questions—like tax withholding, benefit deductions, or changes to bank information—can usually be handled through the APS Payroll or Human Resources offices.
When you evaluate the APS salary schedule, it helps to consider Atlanta’s cost of living:
People comparing APS pay to other metro Atlanta districts—such as DeKalb, Fulton, or Cobb—often weigh:
For an accurate financial picture, it helps to look at base pay + supplements + benefits rather than just one number.
Salary is only one part of what you earn in APS. As a public school employee in Atlanta, you may also have:
For many teachers and staff, retirement and benefits are a major reason they stay in APS or choose public education in Atlanta over other sectors.
If you want exact figures for your situation, your best next step is to contact APS directly with your:
Useful local contacts:
Atlanta Public Schools – Human Resources / Talent Management
130 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main District Phone: (404) 802‑3500
When you call, you can request:
If you’re already employed with APS, your school’s front office or principal can often point you to the exact HR contact who handles salary placement and payroll questions.
If you’re considering a job with Atlanta Public Schools:
If you already work for APS:
By understanding how the Atlanta Public Schools salary schedule works, you can better plan your career, compare opportunities across metro Atlanta, and make informed decisions about working and living in the city.
