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Salaries & Benefits

Certified Salaries

Orange County Schools offers a competitive local salary supplement in addition to North Carolina’s state-based pay system. This local investment allows us to enhance educator compensation, recognize professional expertise, and remain competitive with districts across the region.

OCS is a great place to work and grow, and we believe that our teachers deserve meaningful support and recognition for the critical work they do every day.

Teacher Supplement Schedule

Teachers are paid on the North Carolina State Salary Schedules

Years of Experience on NC Educator License

Local Supplement

0-5

12%

6-13

14%

14-19

16%

20+

18%

   

Administrator Salaries

In addition to our competitive local supplement for teachers, Orange County Schools also provides highly competitive compensation for school-based administrators. Assistant principals receive the whole local teacher supplement, plus an additional percentage based on their school's grade span. Principals receive a local experience-based supplement that increases with their years of service. These enhancements ensure that our school leaders are recognized and supported for the essential role they play in driving student achievement and strengthening our school communities.

Assistant Principals Salary Schedule

Assistant Principals are paid on the North Carolina State Salary Schedules. Add the Teacher Supplement and Additional Amount for Assistant Principal below.

Teacher Supplement 

Additional Amount for Assistant Principal

0-6 years

12%

Elementary

1%

7-13 years

14%

Middle

3%

14-19 years

16%

High

5%

 

Principals Salary Schedule

Principals are paid on the North Carolina State Salary Schedules. Add the Local Supplement and Experience Credit below.

Local Supplement Salary Schedule

Experience Credit

Elementary

17.5%

1-3 years

$125.00 per month

Middle

25%

4 years

$250.00 per month

High

35%

5+ years

$416.67 per month

 

Classified Salaries

Orange County Schools is committed to providing competitive compensation for our classified staff, recognizing that every role in our district contributes to student success. Our locally funded salary structures are designed to offer fair, competitive pay across a wide range of positions—from office support and transportation to maintenance, technology, and school nutrition.

  • See 25-26 Classified Salary Schedules 
  • 7% local supplement for classified positions
  • 9% local supplement for classified coordinator positions
  • Bus Driver Incentives include:
    • Paid medical examination fee
    • Reimbursement of CDL license fee

*** All incentives are subject to Board approval

Substitute Teacher Salaries

Substitute teachers play a vital role in keeping our schools running smoothly and ensuring students continue to learn every day. To recognize their importance, Orange County Schools offers some of the highest daily substitute rates in the area. We welcome you to join our team and make a meaningful impact in our schools.

Rates for Substitute Teachers

Non-Certified Substitutes Daily

$112.65 per day

Certified Substitutes Daily

$120.00 per day

Non-Certified Substitutes Long Term

$120.00 per day

Non-Certified Substitutes Long Term

$200.00 per day

 

Additional State and Local Benefits

While salary is an integral part of choosing where to work, it’s only one piece of the full compensation package at Orange County Schools. We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of benefits that support your well-being, financial security, and long-term career satisfaction. North Carolina also provides one of the strongest and most stable public retirement systems in the nation, giving our employees confidence in their future.

At OCS, we believe in investing in the whole employee—today and for the years ahead.

State Benefits:

  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Earn Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Excellent State Retirement Program
  • Health Insurance
  • 401K Options

Local Benefits:

  • Affordable Life Insurance Options (free $15,000 policy paid locally)
  • Free Vision Care
  • Free Admission to School Sport Events
  • Tuition-Free Enrollment For Out-of-District Children of Employees
  • Tuition Reimbursement for Residency Licensed Employees
  • Local Business Discounts & Memberships
     

Employee Resources

 

Central Office Salary List AUG 2025