Quick Answer (2026 UFT Contract Schedule)
The 2026 UFT salary schedule establishes base pay for NYC public school teachers between $71,314 (starting bachelor's) and $150,236 (22-year veteran with a master's plus 30 credits). Compensation advances through semi-annual vertical steps (1A–8B), horizontal academic differentials (C1–C6+PD), and seven longevity milestones following a 3.5% contractual raise effective September 14, 2026. For complete pension & tax modeling, see our teaching salary & pension guide.
How the UFT Salary Schedule Grid Works
The UFT salary schedule is constructed as a two-dimensional matrix. Your salary is the exact number where your vertical step row intersects your horizontal differential column.
The Vertical Axis: Salary Steps (1A to 8B)
Salary steps reflect active teaching experience. For the first eight years of full-time service, teachers advance two sub-steps per school year:
- A-Steps (e.g., 1A, 2A, 3A): Take effect on the first day of the fall semester (or your equated anniversary date).
- B-Steps (e.g., 1B, 2B, 3B): Take effect on March 1 of each school year.
Advancement between Step 1A and Step 8B is automatic, provided you receive satisfactory annual performance ratings. Step 8B represents the highest regular experience step on the standard scale. Beyond Step 8B, base salary increases occur through longevity increments rather than additional lettered steps.
The Horizontal Axis: Salary Differentials (C1 to C6+PD)
Salary differentials are permanent additions to annual base pay awarded when educators complete approved college credits or advanced degrees:
- C1 (Base Lane): Starting salary for teachers with a Bachelor’s degree.
- C2 (First Differential): 30 approved semester credits beyond the Bachelor’s.
- C2 + PD (Promotional Differential): Completion of an approved Master’s degree, providing an immediate ~$8,852 annual raise.
- C6 + PD (Second Differential / MA+30): Master’s degree plus 30 additional post-graduate credits (or NBPTS National Board Certification).
Official 2026 UFT Teacher Salary Schedule Table
The following table reflects active rates following the 3.5% contractual wage increase effective September 14, 2026:
| Salary Step | C1: Bachelor's | C2: BA + 30 | C2+PD: Master's | C6+PD: MA + 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1A | $71,314 | $75,373 | $80,166 | $88,777 |
| Step 1B | $72,216 | $76,275 | $81,068 | $89,679 |
| Step 2A | $73,118 | $77,177 | $81,970 | $90,581 |
| Step 2B | $74,020 | $78,079 | $82,872 | $91,483 |
| Step 3A | $75,456 | $79,515 | $84,308 | $92,919 |
| Step 3B | $76,358 | $80,417 | $85,210 | $93,821 |
| Step 4A | $77,527 | $81,586 | $86,379 | $94,990 |
| Step 4B | $78,429 | $82,488 | $87,281 | $95,892 |
| Step 5A | $80,491 | $84,550 | $89,343 | $97,954 |
| Step 5B | $81,393 | $85,452 | $90,245 | $98,856 |
| Step 6A | $82,935 | $86,994 | $91,787 | $100,398 |
| Step 6B | $83,837 | $87,896 | $92,689 | $101,300 |
| Step 7A | $85,898 | $89,957 | $94,750 | $103,361 |
| Step 7B | $86,800 | $90,859 | $95,652 | $104,263 |
| Step 8A | $92,265 | $96,324 | $101,117 | $109,728 |
| Step 8B (Top Regular) | $98,198 | $102,257 | $107,050 | $109,447 |
Understanding UFT Longevity Increments (5 to 22+ Years)
Once an educator reaches Step 8B, regular step progression ceases. However, long-term commitment to New York City public schools is rewarded through longevity increments. Longevities fold directly into your regular base pay and are 100% pensionable:
| Completed Service Years | Code | Master's Base Total | MA + 30 (Second Diff) Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years of Service | L5 | $92,043 | $100,654 |
| 10 Years of Service | L10 | $111,927 | $120,527 |
| 13 Years of Service | L13 | $116,427 | $125,027 |
| 15 Years of Service | L15 | $122,017 | $130,617 |
| 18 Years of Service | L18 | $125,984 | $134,584 |
| 20 Years of Service | L20 | $132,737 | $141,337 |
| 22+ Years of Service | L22 | $141,636 | $150,236 |
How to Apply for Salary Differentials and Protect Retroactive Pay
Unlike salary steps, which advance automatically on your payroll profile, salary differentials are never awarded automatically. You must formally submit an application with official transcripts through the NYC DOE Salary Differential Application System.
The Crucial 6-Month Retroactive Application Rule
Submitting transcripts promptly is critical:
- Within 6 Months: If you apply within six months of completing your qualifying degree or credits, your raise is granted retroactively back to the date you finished coursework.
- After 6 Months: If you delay past six months, your pay raise begins only on the date you submit your application. All intermediate back pay is permanently lost.
A+ Credits and Qualifying Coursework
Teachers hired on or after September 1, 2019, must earn at least 18 of their 30 post-master's credits as designated A+ courses approved through ASPDP. The remaining 12 credits can be standard graduate credits from an accredited college.
Check What Your Step and Differential Pays After Tax
Enter your exact contractual gross salary into our NYC Paycheck Calculator to see your real bi-weekly take-home check after federal, New York State, NYC local taxes, and TRS Tier 6 pension withholdings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UFT Salary Schedule
What is the starting salary on the UFT salary schedule for 2026?
A first-year teacher with a bachelor's degree starts at $71,314 under the 2026 UFT salary schedule. A first-year teacher entering with an approved master's degree starts at $80,166.
How often do teachers move up a salary step in NYC?
NYC teachers advance two salary steps per year during their first eight years of service: one step on their equated anniversary date (fall semester) and one step on March 1.
How much is a master's degree worth on the UFT salary scale?
A master's degree qualifies you for the Promotional Differential (C2+PD), increasing your starting salary by $8,852 per year compared to a bachelor's degree.
What is the difference between Step 8B and longevity pay?
Step 8B is the final regular experience step on the standard scale ($107,050 for MA). After Step 8B, additional salary increases are granted as longevity increments at 10, 13, 15, 18, 20, and 22 years of service.
What is the maximum salary on the UFT salary schedule?
The maximum base salary under the 2026 contract is $150,236 per year, earned by an educator with 22 or more years of continuous DOE service (L22) and a master's degree plus 30 additional graduate credits (C6+PD).
Are salary differentials awarded automatically when you graduate?
No. Differentials are never automatic; you must formally submit an application with official university transcripts through the DOE Salary Placement application portal.
What happens if I miss the 6-month differential application deadline?
If you apply within 6 months of earning your credits, your pay increase is retroactive to the completion date. If you apply after 6 months, your differential takes effect only on the submission date, forfeiting all retroactive back pay.
What are A+ credits for NYC teachers?
A+ credits are specialized continuing education courses approved by the NYC DOE (through ASPDP). Teachers hired after September 1, 2019, must earn at least 18 of their 30 post-master's credits as A+ courses to obtain the Second Differential.
Can prior teaching experience be credited toward UFT salary steps?
Yes. Newly appointed teachers can transfer up to 7.5 years of verifiable full-time teaching experience from accredited outside public, private, or charter schools to enter at an advanced step up to Step 8B.
Does the UFT salary schedule include pension deductions?
No. The UFT salary schedule displays gross contractual base wages. Mandatory NYC TRS Tier 6 pension contributions (3.0% to 6.0%) and progressive taxes are deducted separately on your bi-weekly pay stub.