The Best and Worst States for Teacher Pay

This story comes from Business.org.

Teachers do far more than simply instruct students on the material — counseling, social work, paying for supplies on their own — and now they’re responsible for the sanitation and safety of their classrooms during a pandemic. But is all that work reflected in how we pay teachers in the U.S.?

Business.org dug into salary stats across the U.S. to see which states offer K–12 teachers the best and worst compensation compared with the average salary of full-time, year-round workers. We also looked at how much teacher pay has increased or decreased over the years.

For context: The national average for teacher salary is $61,730, which is 6.7% less than the national average salary for full-time, year-round workers. Average teacher salary fell 4.6% in the last 10 years; low pay is one of the leading causes of the worsening teacher shortage.

In compiling our list, we compared each state’s average K–12 teaching salary (pulled from the National Education Center’s 2018–2019 school year data) with its average salary for full-time, year-round employees (found in the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual American Community Survey).

We also included data on how each state’s teacher compensation has increased or decreased within the past 20 years (according to the National Education Center). However, this information was only included for additional insight and isn’t part of the rankings.

As you’ll see, not every state pays its teachers quite the same.

1. New York

• Average teacher salary: $85,889
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $77,058
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: +11.5%
• Percent change since 2010: +2.6%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.1%

New York takes the top spot for teacher pay in the nation, with teachers making an average of 11.5% more than the average full-time, year-round worker. Teachers make nearly $9,000 more than the average worker.

2. California

• Average teacher salary: $82,282
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $75,407
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: +9.1%
• Percent change since 2010: +3.2%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.1%

The Golden State is a great place to find higher teacher pay. Teachers in California make 9.1% more than the average full-time worker. California has increased teacher pay by 3.2% in the last decade. Fortunately, California also has the lowest gender pay gap in the U.S.

3. Pennsylvania

• Average teacher salary: $68,141
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $65,346
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: +4.3%
• Percent change since 2010: -1.4%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.2%

In Pennsylvania, teachers earn 4.3% more than full-time, year-round workers. Unfortunately, teacher pay in the Keystone State decreased by 1.4% in the past decade.

4. Vermont

• Average teacher salary: $61,027
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $59,416
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: +2.7%
• Percent change since 2010: +6.4%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.3%

The Green Mountain State earns the No. 4 spot for high teacher pay with an average salary of $61,027. Vermont’s average teacher salaries are 2.7% higher than an average full-time, year-round job.

5. Alaska

• Average teacher salary: $70,277
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $68,781
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: +2.2%
• Percent change since 2010: +0.8%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.2%

The Last Frontier may be the final stop for teachers looking to make decent money. Alaska’s average salary for teachers is $70,277.

6. Iowa

• Average teacher salary: $58,140
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $58,014
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: +0.2%
• Percent change since 2010: +0.3%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.1%

Educators in Iowa can expect to be on the same level as most workers. Iowa’s teacher salary is 0.2% higher than the average full-time, year-round job. The Corn State pays teachers $58,140, on average.

7. Oregon

• Average teacher salary: $64,385
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $64,401
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: 0.0%
• Percent change since 2010: -0.2%
• Percent change since 2018: 0.0%

Oregon still lands the No. 7 spot for teacher pay, which is about the same as full-time, year-round workers’ average earnings. The average salary for teachers in the Beaver State is $64,385.

8. Rhode Island

• Average teacher salary: $67,040
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $67,216
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -0.3%
• Percent change since 2010: -3.9%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.6%

Rhode Island comes in eighth for the best teacher pay in the U.S. The average salary for teachers in Rhode Island is $67,040, which is -0.3% lower than the average earnings of full-time workers.

9. Hawaii

• Average teacher salary: $59,757
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $60,432
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -1.1%
• Percent change since 2010: -7.1%
• Percent change since 2018: +1.2%

The Aloha State makes the top 10 list for the best pay for teachers with an average salary of $59,757. Teacher pay in Hawaii has increased by 1.2% since 2018.

10. Michigan

• Average teacher salary: $61,825
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $62,736
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -1.5%
• Percent change since 2010: -8.7%
• Percent change since 2018: -2.2%

The Wolverine State caps off the top 10 best places for teacher pay. Michigan’s average teacher salary is $61,825, about $900 less than the average full-time, year-round salary.

11. Massachusetts

• Average teacher salary: $82,042
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $83,898
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -2.2%
• Percent change since 2010: +1.3%
• Percent change since 2018: 0.0%

Massachusetts has better teacher pay than the majority of states, with an average teacher salary of $82,042. The Bay State has increased teacher pay over the past decade by 1.3%.

12. Washington

• Average teacher salary: $72,965
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $74,808
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -2.5%
• Percent change since 2010: +17.8%
• Percent change since 2018: +28.4%

Washington is making great strides to improve teacher pay, showing a 17.8% increase in teacher pay since 2010. The Evergreen State has had the highest increase for teacher pay since 2018, too.

13. Montana

• Average teacher salary: $54,034
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $55,401
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -2.5%
• Percent change since 2010: +1.1%
• Percent change since 2018: +0.3%

Montana’s teacher pay has increased by 1.1% since 2010 for an average salary of $54,034. Landing a teaching gig in the Big Sky state is getting better, but the pay still amounts to 2.5% less than the average full-time job. Montana is also one of the least overworked states too, making the appeal for teachers even better.

14. Delaware

• Average teacher salary: $62,308
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $63,906
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -2.5%
• Percent change since 2010: -6.6%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.2%

The average teacher pay in the Diamond State is $62,308, which is 2.5% less than average for full-time, year-round workers. Unfortunately, compensation for teachers has gone down by 6.6% since 2010.

15. Wyoming

• Average teacher salary: $58,618
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $60,252
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -2.7%
• Percent change since 2010: -10.2%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.6%

Wyoming takes the 15th spot for best teacher pay with an average salary of $58,618, which is 2.7% less than other professions’ average wage. The Equality State’s teacher pay has decreased by 10.2% in the last decade.

16. Maine

• Average teacher salary: $54,974
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $56,522
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -2.7%
• Percent change since 2010: +2.0%
• Percent change since 2018: +0.1%

Maine teachers earn 2.7% less than other professions, but at least the state has increased teacher pay since 2010 (most have decreased). The Pine Tree State has increased pay for teachers by 2% over the last decade.

17. Arkansas

• Average teacher salary: $51,019
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $53,460
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -4.6%
• Percent change since 2010: -6.5%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.1%

The Natural State pays teachers $51,019 on average, which is 4.6% less than other professions. Arkansas has also decreased teacher pay by 6.5% since 2010.

18. Kentucky

• Average teacher salary: $53,434
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $56,076
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -4.7%
• Percent change since 2010: -7.7%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.1%

Teachers in Kentucky earn a salary of $53,434 — that’s 4.7% less than other professions. The Bluegrass State has decreased its teacher pay by 7.7% since 2010.

19. Ohio

• Average teacher salary: $57,799
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $60,707
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -4.8%
• Percent change since 2010: -11.6%
• Percent change since 2018: -2.4%

The Buckeye State has an average teacher salary of $57,799. Compared with other workers, Ohio’s teacher pay is 4.8% less.

20. Oklahoma

• Average teacher salary: $52,412
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $55,202
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -5.1%
• Percent change since 2010: -6.0%
• Percent change since 2018: +10.9%

The Sooner State pays teachers $52,412 on average. Oklahoma has one of the best increases for teacher salary since 2018, but teacher pay declined 6% in the last decade.

21. Illinois

• Average teacher salary: $66,600
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $70,680
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -5.8%
• Percent change since 2010: -8.2%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.7%

The Prairie State pays its teachers $66,600 on average, which is about $4,000 less than other professions. Illinois has decreased teacher pay by 8.2% since 2010.

22. Nebraska

• Average teacher salary: $54,506
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $58,131
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -6.2%
• Percent change since 2010: +0.9%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.5%

Nebraska increased teacher pay by 0.9% since 2010, landing at an average salary of $54,506. That’s 6.2% less than other workers on average.

23. Nevada

• Average teacher salary: $54,280
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $58,713
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -7.6%
• Percent change since 2010: -9.8%
• Percent change since 2018: -2.0%

Nevada’s teacher pay has decreased in the last 10 years by 9.8%. Average workers make about $4,400 more than teachers in the Silver State.

24. Georgia

• Average teacher salary: $57,137
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $62,018
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -7.9%
• Percent change since 2010: -7.9%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.6%

Georgia’s average teacher salary is $57,137, compared with the average worker’s salary of $62,018. Georgia has seen a 0.6% decrease in average teacher pay since 2018.

25. Tennessee

• Average teacher salary: $51,714
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $56,567
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -8.6%
• Percent change since 2010: -4.4%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.5%

Tennessee’s average teacher salary is 8.6% less than full-time, year-round workers, which is about a $4,800 difference. The Volunteer State has seen a decrease in teacher pay of 4.4% since 2010.

26. Maryland

• Average teacher salary: $70,463
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $77,139
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -8.7%
• Percent change since 2010: -5.7%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.9%

The Old Line State pays teachers a salary of $70,463 on average. Teacher pay has decreased in Maryland by 5.7% since 2010.

27. West Virginia

• Average teacher salary: $47,681
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $52,303
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -8.8%
• Percent change since 2010: -11.2%
• Percent change since 2018: +2.3%

West Virginia’s teachers make about 8.8% less on average than others in the workforce. However, the Mountain State increased teacher pay by 2.3% in the last two years.

28. North Carolina

• Average teacher salary: $53,975
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $59,209
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -8.8%
• Percent change since 2010: -1.4%
• Percent change since 2018: +3.2%

The Tar Heel State pays its teachers $53,975 on average, which is 8.8% less than average workers. On the positive side, North Carolina has increased its teacher salary by 3.2% since 2018.

29. Mississippi

• Average teacher salary: $45,574
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $50,027
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -8.9%
• Percent change since 2010: -14.6%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.6%

Mississippi has declined in teacher pay by 14.6% in the past decade. Currently, the Magnolia State pays teachers an average salary of $45,574.

30. Alabama

• Average teacher salary: $50,810
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $55,898
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -9.1%
• Percent change since 2010: -8.6%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.6%

Alabama pays teachers an average salary of $50,810, showing a decrease of 8.6% since 2010. Compared with the average salary of other full-time workers, teachers make 9.1% less on average.

31. South Carolina

• Average teacher salary: $50,395
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $55,531
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -9.2%
• Percent change since 2010: -9.2%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.6%

Teachers in the Palmetto State earn $50,395 on average. South Carolina’s average earnings for full-time workers is about $5,000 more than teachers, for a 9.2% difference.

32. South Dakota

• Average teacher salary: $48,786
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $53,853
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -9.4%
• Percent change since 2010: +7.5%
• Percent change since 2018: +0.3%

The Mount Rushmore State is one of the few states that increased its teacher pay in the past decade. Despite the progress, South Dakota’s teachers get paid 9.4% less than the average worker salary.

33. Idaho

• Average teacher salary: $50,757
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $56,440
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -10.1%
• Percent change since 2010: -6.2%
• Percent change since 2018: +1.0%

Teachers in Idaho have an average salary of $50,757, which is 10.1% less than the state’s average worker salary. Luckily, the Gem State showed an increase in teacher pay in the last two years.

34. Louisiana

• Average teacher salary: $50,923
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $56,791
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -10.3%
• Percent change since 2010:-10.9%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.9%

In the Pelican State, teachers get paid $50,923 on average, which is 10.3% less compared to the state’s average full-time, year-round worker salary. Louisiana has decreased teacher pay by 10.9% in the past decade.

35. Connecticut

• Average teacher salary: $76,465
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $85,764
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -10.8%
• Percent change since 2010: +1.7%
• Percent change since 2018: +0.5%

The Constitution State improved teacher pay over the last decade by 1.7%. However, the average teacher salary falls 10.8% below the average wage of Connecticut.

36. New Mexico

• Average teacher salary: $47,826
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $53,094
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -11.3%
• Percent change since 2010: -11.5%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.6%

New Mexico’s average teacher salary is 11.3% less than the average salary for full-time, year-round workers. Teachers make $47,826 per year on average in the Land of Enchantment.

37. Indiana

• Average teacher salary: $50,937
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $57,437
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -11.3%
• Percent change since 2010: -12.8%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.4%

In the Hoosier State, teachers make 11.3% less when compared with the average full-time, year-round worker. Indiana’s teacher pay has dropped by 12.8% since 2010.

38. North Dakota

• Average teacher salary: $53,434
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $61,702
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -13.4%
• Percent change since 2010: +6.4%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.9%

In the Sioux State, teacher pay has increased by 6.4% since 2010 but dropped by 0.9% since 2018. North Dakota pays teachers 13.4% less than the average full-time, year-round worker.

39. Texas

• Average teacher salary: $54,155
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $62,720
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -13.7%
• Percent change since 2010: -4.0%
• Percent change since 2018: +0.5%

The Lone Star State’s teacher salary is $54,155, which is 13.7% less than the average earnings of full-time, year-round workers. Since 2010, teacher wages in Texas have fallen by 4%, but have increased by 0.5% since 2018.

40. Missouri

• Average teacher salary: $50,064
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $58,145
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -13.9%
• Percent change since 2010: -5.5%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.5%

Teachers make 13.9% less than full-time, year-round workers in the Show Me State. Missouri’s teacher pay has declined 5.5% in the past decade, putting teacher salaries at $50,064 on average.

41. Wisconsin

• Average teacher salary: $51,453
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $60,348
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -14.7%
• Percent change since 2010: -14.4%
• Percent change since 2018: -2.1%

Since 2010, America’s Dairyland has declined in teacher pay by 14.4%. Teachers make an average salary of $51,453 in Wisconsin, which is 14.7% less than the average for full-time, year-round workers.

42. Minnesota

• Average teacher salary: $58,221
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $69,045
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -15.7%
• Percent change since 2010: -5.0%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.3%

Teacher pay has dropped by 5% since 2010 in the North Star State. The average teacher makes 15.7% less than the average full-time, year-round worker.

43. New Jersey

• Average teacher salary: $70,212
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $83,250
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -15.9%
• Percent change since 2010: -7.7%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.6%

New Jersey pays teachers a salary of $70,212, which is 15.9% less than full-time, year-round workers. Since 2010, the Garden State’s average teacher pay has declined by 7.7%.

44. Kansas

• Average teacher salary: $49,800
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $59,743
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -16.6%
• Percent change since 2010: -8.7%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.9%

In the Sunflower State, the average teacher salary is 16.6% less than the average earnings of full-time, year-round workers. Since 2010, teacher pay in Kansas has declined by 8.7%.

45. Florida

• Average teacher salary: $48,395
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $58,254
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -16.9%
• Percent change since 2010: -11.3%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.6%

Teachers make an average salary of $48,395 in the Sunshine State, which is 16.9% less than full-time, year-round workers. Florida’s teacher pay has declined by 11.3% since 2010.

46. Arizona

• Average teacher salary: $49,892
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $60,060
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -16.9%
• Percent change since 2010: -9.1%
• Percent change since 2018: +0.3%

Although Arizona has increased its teacher pay by 0.3% since 2018, it still pays teachers 16.9% less than average full-time, year-round workers. Teachers in the Grand Canyon State make $49,892 on average.

47. New Hampshire

• Average teacher salary: $58,146
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $72,025
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -19.3%
• Percent change since 2010: -3.3%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.5%

Since 2010, teacher wages in New Hampshire have declined by 3.3%. Compared with average earnings of full-time, year-round workers, teachers make 19.3% less on average. The Granite State pays teachers $58,146 on average.

48. Utah

• Average teacher salary: $50,342
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $63,026
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -20.1%
• Percent change since 2010: -6.1%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.7%

The Beehive State pays teachers 20.1% less on average than full-time, year-round workers. Teacher pay has declined in Utah by 6.1% since 2010.

49. District of Columbia

• Average teacher salary: $78,477
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $99,557
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -21.2%
• Percent change since 2010: +4.0%
• Percent change since 2018: +0.5%

Washington, D.C., has increased its teacher pay by 4% since 2010, but still pays teachers 21.2% less than full-time, year-round workers. Teachers in the District of Columbia can expect to make $78,477 on average. If you want to live in the nation’s capital, you may want to look into entrepreneurship instead.

50. Colorado

• Average teacher salary: $53,301
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $69,338
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -23.1%
• Percent change since 2010: -7.3%
• Percent change since 2018: -0.7%

In the Centennial State, teachers make $53,301, which is 23.1% less on average than full-time, year-round workers. Colorado’s average teacher salary has declined by 7.3% since 2010.

51. Virginia

• Average teacher salary: $52,466
• Average earnings, full-time, year-round workers: $72,833
• Teacher salary percentage more or less than average: -28.0%
• Percent change since 2010: -10.2%
• Percent change since 2018: -1.1%

Virginia has the biggest pay gap for teachers out of any state. The average teacher salary in Virginia is over $20,000 less than the average earnings for full-time, year-round workers. Since 2010, Virginia has declined in teacher pay by 10.2%.

Teaching is an essential job, but most states don’t pay their teachers as much as their average workers, and many states’ teacher salaries have been in decline since 2010.

As educators navigate the new challenges, responsibilities and stresses of schooling during a pandemic, will we see a change in how much the U.S. pays its teachers?