In addition to the regular pay increases negotiated in each Department of Education-UFT contract, UFT-represented teachers and other pedagogues receive differentials, step payments and longevity increases based on their level of education and years of service.
The contract for each job title contains a salary schedule that calculates the new salaries when each negotiated pay increase takes effect. Under the DOE-UFT contract ratified on July 10, all UFT-represented employees receive an increase of 3% retroactive to Sept. 14, 2022; 3% on Jan. 18, 2024; 3% on Jan. 18, 2025; 3.25% on Sept. 14, 2025; and 3.5% on Sept. 14, 2026.
Under the same contract, eligible UFT-represented employees will also receive an annual retention bonus in perpetuity. The first bonus, on May 1, 2024, will be $400. The bonus increases to $700 on May 1, 2025; $1,000 on May 1, 2026; and $1,035 on May 1, 2027. The bonus in subsequent years will go up with collective bargaining increases.
The UFT contract provides for more money as you spend more time on the job (in what are called step increases and longevity payments) and also allows you to earn more money as you attain more education credits (in what are called differentials).
For the first eight years on the job, teachers move up two steps per year — on their anniversary and on March 1 — if they teach without interruption and receive a satisfactory evaluation, increasing their earnings up to Step 8B. Step increases can also be earned prior to joining the DOE, if you worked full time in your title for another school district or eligible employer.
Longevity increases are earned only for DOE service. Teachers, for example, automatically receive a longevity payment after serving in New York City public schools for five, 10, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 years. A longevity increase becomes part of your base salary and is immediately pensionable.
New hires must complete a salary-step placement application to establish an equate date. This date is when you will move up in steps and longevities as long as you are on payroll.
Differentials, by contrast, are not automatically awarded. You must apply for them to receive a salary increase. To ensure you receive your differential from the date you earn the additional credits, you must apply within six months of completing coursework.
You can view your salary schedule and calculate your salary with the union’s online salary calculator. Call the union at 212-331-6311 if you need help interpreting the salary schedule.
It’s worth checking the salary schedule, particularly if you are a new teacher, to make sure you have been given credit for all your education and your previous qualifying professional experience.
Teachers and other Q-bank titles, including other pedagogues and paraprofessionals, are paid semi-monthly, on or about the 15th and 30th of each month and receive 24 paychecks annually. Nurses, therapists, education analysts and other H-bank titles are paid biweekly and receive 26 checks annually. Paychecks during the summer break are issued on the 15th and 30th of each month for pedagogues and every two weeks for H-bank titles.
If you have any questions about your salary or believe you are being paid incorrectly, talk to your payroll secretary and then call the union and ask to speak with a salary representative.
Throughout the school year, UFT-represented employees can also apply to work per-session activities that occur either before or after school, on weekends or holidays, or during the summer. Teachers are now paid at the per-session hourly rate of $55.60.