Teacher Salary in America 2025
The landscape of teacher compensation in the United States has reached a pivotal moment in 2025, with educators across the nation experiencing both progress and persistent challenges. According to the National Education Association (NEA), the national average public school teacher salary increased to $74,177 during the 2024-25 school year, representing a 3.0% growth from the previous year. This marks the largest year-over-year pay increase in over a decade, continuing a positive trend that began gaining momentum in recent years. However, beneath these headline numbers lies a more complex reality that educators continue to navigate daily.
Despite nominal salary increases, the purchasing power of teacher salaries tells a different story. When adjusted for inflation, teachers are making approximately 5.1% less than they did a decade ago, according to data compiled from over 12,000 school districts nationwide. The Economic Policy Institute reports that the teacher pay penalty—the gap between what teachers earn compared to other college-educated professionals—has grown to a record 26.6% as of 2023. This disparity affects not only current educators but also the ability of schools to attract and retain quality talent in a profession that shapes the next generation. For the 2023-24 school year, the national average was $72,030, with projections showing continued growth into 2025.
Interesting Facts About Teacher Salary in the US 2025
| Key Facts | Statistics | Year |
|---|---|---|
| National Average Teacher Salary | $74,177 | 2024-25 |
| National Average Starting Teacher Salary | $46,526 | 2023-24 |
| Highest State Average Salary | $103,379 (California) | 2024-25 |
| Lowest State Average Salary | $55,086 (Mississippi) | 2024-25 |
| Teacher Pay Penalty vs Other Professionals | 26.6% | 2023 |
| Real Salary Decrease (Inflation-Adjusted) | 5.1% | Past Decade |
| Union Advantage in Salary | 24% higher | 2024-25 |
| Districts Paying $50K+ Starting Salary | 30% | 2023-24 |
| Districts Paying $60K+ Starting Salary | 800+ districts (66% increase) | 2023-24 |
| Teachers Holding Multiple Jobs | 40% | 2024 |
| Teachers with Living Wage Problems | 37% | 2024 |
| Starting Salary Increase | 4.4% | 2023-24 |
Data Source: National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates Report 2025, NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24
The data reveals stark realities about teacher compensation in America. While California leads the nation with an average salary of $103,379, this represents less than double what teachers earn in Mississippi, where the average stands at $55,086. The growing trend of teachers working multiple jobs—affecting 40% of educators—underscores the financial pressures facing the profession. Meanwhile, the substantial 24% salary advantage in states with collective bargaining demonstrates the tangible impact of organized labor advocacy on educator compensation. The fact that 800+ school districts now offer starting salaries of at least $60,000 represents a 66.2% increase from the prior year, signaling that some regions are making aggressive moves to attract new talent to the profession.
Teacher Salary by State in the US 2025
The geographic disparities in teacher salaries across America create dramatically different economic realities for educators depending on where they choose to work. These differences extend beyond simple cost-of-living adjustments, reflecting deeper variations in state education funding priorities, tax structures, and collective bargaining rights. The 2024-25 school year data from the NEA provides the most comprehensive picture of how states value their educators through compensation.
California maintains its position at the top with an estimated average teacher salary of $103,379 for 2024-25, though the 2023-24 data showed $101,084. This places California as the only state where teachers earn over $100,000 on average. New York follows with $98,123 projected for 2024-25, while Massachusetts rounds out the top three. These high-paying states share common characteristics: strong teachers’ unions, comprehensive collective bargaining laws, and relatively high costs of living that necessitate higher wages.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Mississippi continues to rank last with an average salary of $55,086 for 2024-25, up from $53,704 in 2023-24. This represents less than 54% of what California teachers earn. Florida ranks 49th with $54,875, and Missouri sits at 48th with $55,132 for the 2023-24 year. These states face ongoing challenges with teacher recruitment and retention, as compensation fails to compete with neighboring states or other professional opportunities available to college graduates.
| State | Average Salary 2023-24 | Average Salary 2024-25 (Est.) | Starting Salary 2023-24 | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $101,084 | $103,379 | $58,409 | 1 |
| New York | $95,615 | $98,123 | $50,077 | 2 |
| Massachusetts | $92,076 | $95,000 | $52,616 | 3 |
| Washington | $83,000 | $85,500 | $57,912 | 4 |
| Connecticut | $82,235 | $84,700 | $49,860 | 5 |
| New Jersey | $79,045 | $84,256 | $57,603 | 6 |
| District of Columbia | $78,833 | $81,200 | $63,373 | 7 |
| Rhode Island | $78,226 | $80,500 | $47,205 | 8 |
| Maryland | $75,766 | $78,000 | $54,439 | 9 |
| Alaska | $73,722 | $75,800 | $52,451 | 10 |
Data Source: NEA Rankings and Estimates Report 2025, April 2025
The top 10 highest-paying states share notable characteristics beyond just high salaries. Nine of these states have comprehensive collective bargaining statutes that empower teachers’ unions to negotiate favorable compensation packages. The data demonstrates that in states with collective bargaining rights, teachers earn 24% more on average than in states without such protections. Washington moved into the top 5 with significant year-over-year increases, while New Jersey climbed to 6th place with continued investment in educator compensation. District of Columbia, while technically not a state, ranks 7th overall and notably has the highest starting salary in the nation at $63,373.
Lowest Teacher Salaries by State in the US 2025
The bottom tier of teacher salaries reveals troubling patterns that affect educator recruitment, retention, and ultimately student outcomes. States at the lower end of the pay scale face compound
ing challenges: not only do they struggle to attract qualified teachers, but they also experience higher turnover rates that disrupt educational continuity for students. The gap between the highest and lowest-paying states has widened considerably, with California’s average exceeding Mississippi’s by more than $48,000 annually.
| State | Average Salary 2023-24 | Average Salary 2024-25 (Est.) | Starting Salary 2023-24 | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $53,704 | $55,086 | $42,492 | 50 |
| Florida | $54,875 | $56,700 | $48,639 | 49 |
| Missouri | $55,132 | $57,366 | $38,871 | 48 |
| West Virginia | $52,000 | $54,500 | $42,708 | 47 |
| Louisiana | $56,500 | $58,200 | $46,682 | 46 |
| South Dakota | $54,000 | $56,000 | $45,530 | 45 |
| Arkansas | $56,000 | $58,000 | $50,031 | 44 |
| Montana | $57,500 | $59,305 | $35,674 | 43 |
| Oklahoma | $58,000 | $60,500 | $41,152 | 42 |
| Kentucky | $60,000 | $62,000 | $40,161 | 41 |
Data Source: NEA Rankings and Estimates Report 2025, NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24
Mississippi remains at the bottom with an average teacher salary of $55,086 projected for 2024-25, representing minimal growth from $53,704 in 2023-24. The state’s annual salary growth rate of just 1.61% per year over the past three years places it dead last in the nation for wage improvement. This stagnation has real consequences: Mississippi faces persistent teacher shortages and struggles to retain experienced educators who often seek opportunities in neighboring states or leave the profession entirely.
Florida presents a particularly concerning case study. Despite being a large state with significant tax revenue and a relatively high cost of living in many urban areas, Florida ranks 49th with an average salary of $56,700 projected for 2024-25. The state implemented a minimum starting salary policy in 2020, initially ranking 49th; however, this approach focused on entry-level pay without adequate investment across the career continuum, causing Florida to drop to 50th in overall average salary rankings. This “band-aid” approach highlights how short-term fixes without comprehensive salary schedule improvements fail to address systemic compensation issues.
Missouri and Montana face unique challenges with some of the lowest starting salaries in the nation. Montana has an average starting salary of just $35,674, the lowest in the country and significantly below the state’s livable wage of approximately $47,000. Missouri follows closely with $38,871, while Nebraska reports $38,811—these are the only three states with average starting salaries below $40,000. For context, 136,000 teachers across the nation work in school districts offering starting salaries below $40,000, representing 16.6% of reporting districts.
Starting Teacher Salary in the US 2025
The starting teacher salary landscape reveals critical insights into how states attract new talent to the profession. The 2023-24 school year saw the most significant increase in starting salaries in 15 years, with an average growth rate of 4.4%, bringing the national average to $46,526. However, when accounting for the 3.0% inflation rate during this period, real salary growth was only 1.5%, and inflation-adjusted starting salaries remain $3,728 below 2008-2009 levels.
| State | Starting Salary | Top Bachelor’s | Starting Master’s | Top Salary | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $63,373 | $100,488 | $67,598 | $131,003 | 1 |
| California | $58,409 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $115,531 | 2 |
| Washington | $57,912 | $69,398 | $68,289 | $111,826 | 3 |
| New Jersey | $57,603 | $89,187 | $61,537 | $98,007 | 4 |
| Utah | $55,711 | $79,448 | $60,097 | $96,253 | 5 |
| Maryland | $54,439 | $73,140 | $56,762 | $104,034 | 6 |
| New Mexico | $53,400 | $70,383 | $62,797 | $81,788 | 7 |
| Massachusetts | $52,616 | $83,162 | $56,848 | $102,453 | 8 |
| Alaska | $52,451 | $67,738 | $57,575 | $93,520 | 9 |
| Hawaii | $51,835 | $73,843 | $55,982 | $95,090 | 10 |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 2 & Table 3
District of Columbia leads the nation with the highest starting salary at $63,373, followed by California at $58,409 and Washington at $57,912. These three jurisdictions are the only places where beginning teachers earn over $57,000 annually. The data shows that 30% of school districts nationwide now pay starting salaries of at least $50,000, up from 23.2% the previous year—a significant 7 percentage point increase that demonstrates growing recognition of the need for competitive entry-level compensation.
The correlation between starting salaries and collective bargaining is unmistakable. Nine of the top 10 states with the highest average starting salaries have comprehensive collective bargaining statutes. The lone exception was Utah, which ranked 5th with a starting salary of $55,711. However, Utah’s legislature passed a bill in 2025 banning collective bargaining for all public employees effective July 1, 2025, making it the seventh state to prohibit public sector collective bargaining. Experts predict this policy change will negatively impact future salary negotiations and potentially exacerbate teacher shortages in the state.
New Mexico represents a success story in starting salary improvement. Through historic investments in 2022 and continued commitment in 2025 with legislation signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to increase minimum teacher salaries by $5,000 at all licensure levels, New Mexico jumped from 39th to 7th in starting salary rankings over just five years. This demonstrates how targeted state investment can rapidly transform compensation structures and position states competitively for teacher recruitment.
Mid-Range Teacher Salaries in the US 2025
The middle tier of state teacher salaries encompasses a diverse group of states that balance reasonable compensation with varying costs of living and education funding priorities. These states often provide competitive enough salaries to maintain stable teaching forces while facing their own unique challenges in keeping pace with inflation and preventing educator exodus to higher-paying neighboring states.
| State | Average Salary 2023-24 | Starting Salary | Top Salary | One-Year Change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $72,428 | $50,470 | $90,059 | 2.9% | 15 |
| Oregon | $70,000 | $44,446 | $84,244 | 5.7% | 18 |
| Virginia | $68,500 | $48,666 | $82,037 | 5.1% | 20 |
| Illinois | $68,000 | $45,061 | $90,761 | 3.6% | 22 |
| Delaware | $67,500 | $48,407 | $94,679 | 7.1% | 24 |
| Colorado | $66,000 | $42,421 | $75,994 | 8.6% | 25 |
| Minnesota | $65,500 | $44,995 | $79,020 | 4.2% | 27 |
| Georgia | $65,000 | $43,654 | $86,727 | 5.6% | 28 |
| Wisconsin | $64,000 | $42,259 | $80,642 | 2.7% | 30 |
| Texas | $63,500 | $48,526 | $67,762 | 2.7% | 32 |
Data Source: NEA Rankings and Estimates Report 2025, NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24
Pennsylvania sits at 15th nationally with an average teacher salary of $72,428 for 2023-24, offering strong compensation throughout teachers’ careers with a top salary reaching $90,059. The state benefits from strong union presence and comprehensive collective bargaining, which has helped maintain competitive wages despite budget pressures. Oregon follows at 18th, with recent salary increases of 5.7% demonstrating the state’s commitment to improving educator compensation.
Virginia and Illinois occupy the 20th and 22nd positions respectively, both providing salaries in the mid-to-high $60,000s. Illinois particularly stands out with a top salary of $90,761, indicating strong earning potential for veteran educators. However, both states show disparities between urban and rural districts, with major metropolitan areas offering significantly higher compensation than rural counties.
Delaware earned recognition in the 2024-25 NEA report for having one of the largest year-over-year increases in teacher pay. With a 7.1% growth rate in starting salaries, the state moved from 19th to 24th position but demonstrated strong commitment to competitive compensation. Colorado similarly showed an impressive 8.6% increase in starting salaries, though its average salary of $66,000 places it at 25th nationally, reflecting ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages in rural mountain communities.
Texas, despite being the second-largest state by population with the second-highest number of teachers (348,267 in reporting districts), ranks 32nd with an average salary around $63,500. The state’s decentralized education funding model creates enormous variation between wealthy suburban districts that pay well above state averages and rural or economically disadvantaged districts that struggle with recruitment and retention. Approximately 670 of 1,019 Texas districts reported salary data, representing 65.8% of districts but 96.4% of teachers, indicating that larger districts more consistently report comprehensive salary information.
Regional Teacher Salary Differences in the US 2025
Regional patterns in teacher compensation reveal how geographic location substantially impacts earning potential. The US Census regions—Northeast, Midwest, South, and West—show distinct compensation profiles that reflect broader economic conditions, political priorities, and education funding structures. The NEA collects regional data that aggregates state information to provide macro-level insights into compensation trends.
| Region | Average Starting Salary | Average Top Bachelor’s | Average Top Salary | Districts Paying $50K+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $50,806 | $79,753 | $94,104 | 54.8% |
| West | $51,629 | $61,731 | $97,790 | 57.2% |
| Midwest | $42,413 | $59,881 | $79,592 | 6.1% |
| South | $45,280 | $63,185 | $70,915 | 24.9% |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 4
The Northeast region commands the highest average starting salary at $50,806, with an impressive 54.8% of districts paying at least $50,000 to beginning teachers. This region includes powerhouse states like New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania—all of which rank in the top 15 nationally. The region’s strength in collective bargaining, with 97.1% of reporting districts in the data and 98.8% of teachers covered, contributes to superior compensation packages. The Northeast also leads in top salaries, averaging $94,104, reflecting strong career earnings potential.
The West region closely follows with a starting salary average of $51,629 and the highest top salary average of $97,790. This region benefits enormously from California’s outsized influence, along with strong performance from Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, and Colorado. An impressive 57.2% of western districts pay starting salaries of at least $50,000, the highest percentage nationally. However, the region also includes lower-paying states like Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, which bring down regional averages.
The Midwest shows concerning statistics with an average starting salary of only $42,413—more than $8,000 below the Northeast—and just 6.1% of districts paying starting salaries of $50,000 or more. This region includes major states like Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, which perform reasonably well, but is dragged down by lower-paying states like South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Missouri. The Midwest’s top salary average of $79,592 is the second-lowest nationally, indicating limited career earning potential.
The South region faces the most significant challenges with an average starting salary of $45,280 and the lowest top salary average at $70,915. Only 24.9% of southern districts pay starting salaries of at least $50,000. This region encompasses the entire southeastern United States plus Texas and Oklahoma, including many of the lowest-paying states like Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, and West Virginia. However, notable exceptions exist: Maryland and Delaware provide competitive compensation, while Virginia and Texas urban districts pay well above regional averages.
Collective Bargaining Impact on Teacher Salary in the US 2025
The influence of collective bargaining rights on teacher compensation represents one of the most statistically significant factors in determining educator pay across the United States. The NEA’s 2023-24 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report provides compelling evidence that states with comprehensive collective bargaining laws consistently provide higher compensation throughout teachers’ careers compared to states without such protections.
| Bargaining Status | Number of Districts | Starting Salary | Top Salary | Salary Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| States with Collective Bargaining Law | 9,649 (79.4%) | $46,650 | $87,378 | Base |
| States without Collective Bargaining Law | 2,503 (20.6%) | $46,047 | $72,950 | -$14,429 |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 8
Teachers in states with collective bargaining laws earn $603 more in starting salaries and a staggering $14,429 more at the top of the salary schedule compared to states without bargaining protections. While the starting salary difference appears modest, the gap widens dramatically as teachers progress through their careers. This $14,429 difference at career peak represents nearly 20% higher compensation for experienced educators in collective bargaining states.
The NEA reports that overall, teachers earn 24% more on average in states with collective bargaining, while education support professionals earn 7% more. This union advantage extends beyond base salary to include better health insurance benefits, retirement contributions, professional development opportunities, and working conditions. Nine of the top 10 states for average starting salaries have comprehensive collective bargaining statutes, demonstrating the correlation between organized labor rights and competitive compensation.
Recent legislative actions highlight the ongoing political battles over collective bargaining rights. Utah, which ranked 5th nationally in starting teacher salary at $55,711 despite having only permissive bargaining (where districts voluntarily negotiated with unions despite no legal requirement), passed legislation in 2025 banning collective bargaining for all public employees effective July 1, 2025. Utah becomes the seventh state to prohibit public sector collective bargaining, joining North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, and Arizona. Education advocates predict this policy change will negatively impact future teacher salary negotiations and exacerbate recruitment challenges in the state.
Conversely, some states have strengthened collective bargaining protections. States that expanded or clarified bargaining rights in recent years have seen accelerated salary growth. The data shows that 96% of school districts with teacher salaries topping $100,000 are located in states with comprehensive collective bargaining laws. Only 20.7% of US school districts pay top salaries exceeding $100,000, while 8.0% pay top salaries below $60,000, highlighting the extreme variation in career earning potential based largely on location and bargaining rights.
Teacher Salary Growth Trends in the US 2023-2025
Examining salary growth trends over recent years provides crucial context for understanding whether teacher compensation is improving or deteriorating relative to economic conditions. While nominal salary increases appear positive on the surface, inflation-adjusted analysis reveals that teachers’ purchasing power has declined significantly over the past decade, creating financial stress for educators nationwide.
| School Year | Average Starting Salary | Salary Change | Inflation Rate | Real Salary Growth | Inflation-Adjusted Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | $41,814 | 1.5% | 5.4% | -3.9% | -$1,645 |
| 2021-2022 | $42,875 | 2.5% | 9.1% | -6.5% | -$4,521 |
| 2022-2023 | $44,548 | 3.9% | 3.0% | 0.9% | -$4,255 |
| 2023-2024 | $46,526 | 4.4% | 3.0% | 1.5% | -$3,728 |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 9
The 2023-24 starting salary increase of 4.4% represents the largest such increase in the 15 years the NEA has been tracking this benchmark. However, this growth followed devastating losses during the pandemic-era inflation spike. In 2021-22, starting salaries increased just 2.5% while inflation surged 9.1%, creating a real salary loss of -6.5% and pushing inflation-adjusted salaries $4,521 below where they should be if they had kept pace with inflation since 2008-09.
The cumulative impact is sobering: from 2008-2009 through 2023-2024, average starting salaries increased 34.9% nominally (from $34,501 to $46,526). However, if starting salaries had simply matched inflation during this period, they would need to be 45.7% higher, or $50,254. This means today’s beginning teachers earn $3,728 less in purchasing power than their counterparts did 16 years ago, despite having the same—or often more demanding—credentials and facing significantly higher costs for housing, healthcare, and student loan debt.
Average teacher salaries tell a similar story. The national average increased 3.8% from $69,381 in 2022-23 to $72,030 in 2023-24, with projections of $74,177 for 2024-25. Over the decade from 2015-16 to 2024-25, salaries increased 27% nominally, but when adjusted for inflation, teachers are making 5.1% less than they did 10 years ago. This represents a loss of purchasing power that affects teachers’ ability to afford housing, support families, repay student loans, and maintain the quality of life expected for college-educated professionals.
Some states bucked national trends with exceptional growth. Oklahoma led with a 10.5% one-year increase, followed by Idaho at 9.1% and Utah at 8.9%. Nevada showed the strongest three-year growth at 10.11% annually. Arkansas implemented significant salary increases averaging 6.36% annually, though its approach focused heavily on starting salaries while leaving veteran teachers with minimal raises, creating internal equity concerns. Tennessee, Delaware, and Colorado also showed above-average growth, reflecting state-level commitments to improving educator compensation.
District Size and Teacher Salary in the US 2025
School district enrollment size significantly impacts teacher compensation, with larger districts generally offering higher salaries throughout teachers’ careers. The NEA’s analysis by district enrollment reveals clear patterns: as district size increases, so do average starting and top salaries, though with some notable exceptions at the extremes.
| District Enrollment | Number of Districts | Starting Salary | Top Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-250 students | 1,497 (12.6%) | $43,518 | $73,889 |
| 250-500 students | 1,593 (13.4%) | $43,942 | $75,336 |
| 500-1,000 students | 2,188 (18.4%) | $44,468 | $78,165 |
| 1,000-2,000 students | 2,370 (19.9%) | $46,014 | $84,431 |
| 2,000-4,000 students | 1,952 (16.4%) | $48,295 | $90,769 |
| 4,000-8,000 students | 1,209 (10.1%) | $50,035 | $96,186 |
| 8,000-30,000 students | 901 (7.6%) | $52,528 | $97,878 |
| 30,000-1,000,000 students | 207 (1.7%) | $54,428 | $94,618 |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 6
The smallest districts (under 250 students) offer starting salaries averaging $43,518 and top salaries of $73,889—both well below national averages. These rural or remote districts often struggle with limited tax bases, difficulty attracting qualified candidates, and higher per-pupil costs due to fixed expenses spread across fewer students. The compensation gap widens substantially as districts grow: mid-size districts enrolling 2,000-4,000 students offer starting salaries averaging $48,295 and top salaries of $90,769, representing increases of $4,777 and $16,880 respectively over the smallest districts.
Large districts with 8,000-30,000 students provide the highest average starting salary at $52,528 and near-peak top salaries of $97,878. These districts typically serve suburban or mid-size city populations with stronger tax bases, more stable enrollment, and economies of scale that allow higher per-teacher investment. Interestingly, the very largest districts (over 30,000 students) show a slight decrease in top salary to $94,618, likely reflecting the unique challenges of massive urban districts that face high costs for facilities, transportation, and student services that compete for budget dollars.
District typology provides additional nuance beyond simple enrollment numbers. Large suburban districts offer the highest top salaries, averaging $103,217, while maintaining strong starting salaries of $52,114. These affluent suburban communities often have high property values, strong local tax support for education, and competition for teachers among multiple nearby districts. Mid-size city districts follow closely with starting salaries of $53,320 and impressive top salaries averaging $101,134.
In contrast, remote rural districts offer starting salaries averaging only $42,176 and top salaries of $69,419—representing a $60,798 gap in career earning potential compared to large suburban districts. This enormous disparity creates significant challenges for rural education, as talented teachers often migrate to higher-paying suburban districts, leaving rural schools struggling with recruitment, retention, and continuity.
Military base schools operated by the US Department of Defense deserve special mention. These 16 federal school districts offer exceptional compensation, with starting salaries averaging $59,652 and top salaries reaching $143,348—the highest in the nation. Federal educators receive competitive pay scales that account for cost of living adjustments worldwide and recognize the unique demands of serving military families who frequently relocate.
Teacher Salary by Education Level in the US 2025
Advanced degrees significantly impact teacher earning potential, though the financial return varies considerably by state and district. The NEA tracks salary differentials for teachers holding bachelor’s degrees versus those with master’s degrees and additional graduate credits, revealing how education systems reward continued professional development and advanced credentials.
| Degree Level | National Average Starting | National Average Top | Salary Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $46,526 | $66,532 | Base |
| Master’s Degree | $50,380 | $76,905 | +$3,854 / +$10,373 |
| Master’s + 15-30 Credits | Varies by District | $84,272 | +$17,740 |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 2
On average nationally, teachers with master’s degrees earn $3,854 (8.3%) more than bachelor’s-level teachers at career start, and $10,373 more at the top of the bachelor’s pay scale. However, this premium varies dramatically by state. Some states like California no longer differentiate base salary by degree level, instead providing uniform salary schedules with optional stipends or lane changes for advanced degrees. Other states provide substantial premiums: South Carolina shows a starting salary of $44,693 for bachelor’s-level teachers but $64,426 for those starting with master’s degrees—a remarkable $19,733 difference.
The top of the salary schedule—requiring typically a master’s degree plus 15-30 graduate credits and 25-30 years of teaching experience—averages $84,272 nationally. This represents $17,740 more than the top bachelor’s salary, demonstrating that career earnings substantially increase with advanced credentials. However, 20.7% of districts pay top salaries exceeding $100,000, while 8.0% pay top salaries below $60,000, showing extreme variation in how much districts reward career longevity and advanced education.
District of Columbia leads in master’s-level compensation, with starting salaries of $67,598 and top master’s salaries reaching $123,994. Washington follows with master’s starting salaries of $68,289—actually higher than DC’s—and top salaries of $100,649. California, Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York all provide robust compensation for advanced degrees, with top master’s salaries exceeding $90,000 in each state.
The financial calculus for pursuing advanced degrees varies by location. In high-paying states with strong degree premiums, the investment in a master’s degree pays off within 5-10 years through higher salaries. However, in states with minimal degree differentiation or low overall pay, teachers may struggle to recoup the cost of graduate education through salary increases alone. This creates disincentives for professional development in lower-paying states, potentially affecting instructional quality.
Teachers with doctoral degrees or specialist degrees can earn at the very top of salary schedules in some districts, though fewer than 5% of K-12 teachers hold doctorates. Top salaries in elite suburban districts can exceed $130,000-$140,000 for teachers with doctorates and three decades of experience. The US Department of Defense schools show the highest documented top salary at $143,348, while several California districts report maximum salaries exceeding $120,000.
Changes in Teacher Starting Salary Distribution in the US 2025
The distribution of starting teacher salaries across different pay ranges provides insight into how compensation has evolved and how many teachers work in districts offering truly competitive entry-level pay. The NEA data from 2023-24 shows significant improvements in the percentage of teachers starting at higher salary levels compared to previous years.
| Starting Salary Range | Number of Districts | Percentage of Districts | Number of Teachers | Percentage of Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 223 | 1.8% | 15,233 | 0.5% |
| $35,000-$37,500 | 471 | 3.9% | 31,965 | 1.1% |
| $37,500-$40,000 | 1,327 | 10.9% | 88,936 | 3.0% |
| $40,000-$42,500 | 2,409 | 19.8% | 259,011 | 8.7% |
| $42,500-$45,000 | 1,828 | 15.0% | 333,519 | 11.2% |
| $45,000-$50,000 | 2,248 | 18.5% | 695,109 | 23.4% |
| $50,000-$55,000 | 1,815 | 14.9% | 585,927 | 19.8% |
| $55,000-$100,000 | 1,829 | 15.1% | 956,415 | 32.2% |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 5
The most encouraging trend shows that 30% of school districts now pay starting salaries of at least $50,000, up from 23.2% the previous year. These 3,630 districts employ approximately 1.5 million teachers (52%) of the total teaching workforce. More dramatically, over 800 school districts now pay beginning teachers at least $60,000, representing a 66.2% increase from the prior year. This rapid growth in high-starting-salary districts suggests that competitive pressures and teacher shortages are forcing districts to offer more attractive entry-level compensation.
At the other end, the percentage of districts paying starting salaries below $40,000 has dropped to 16.6%, representing nearly 1,500 fewer school districts than the previous year. However, approximately 136,000 teachers still work in these low-paying districts, facing financial hardship that often necessitates second jobs or forces them to leave the profession. The 223 districts paying under $35,000 to start represent just 1.8% of districts but still affect 15,233 beginning teachers—salaries that fall below livable wages in virtually every part of the country.
The middle ranges show the bulk of teacher employment: 42.4% of districts fall in the $40,000-$50,000 range, employing 43.3% of teachers. This clustering around the national average of $46,526 reflects the typical compensation in mid-size suburban and small city districts across much of the country. The $45,000-$50,000 bracket alone includes 2,248 districts (18.5%) and 695,109 teachers (23.4%), representing the single largest concentration of starting salaries.
Geographic concentration heavily influences these distributions. California stands out with 36% of its school districts paying starting salaries of at least $60,000, and remarkably, 19% of California districts offer starting salaries exceeding $70,000. This concentration in the highest salary ranges reflects the state’s high cost of living, strong union presence, and significant education funding. In contrast, states like Montana, Nebraska, and Missouri show heavy concentration in the under-$40,000 ranges, with Montana having 80.8% of reporting districts paying starting salaries below $40,000.
The shift toward higher starting salaries reflects multiple factors: persistent teacher shortages forcing districts to compete more aggressively for candidates, advocacy by teachers’ unions and professional associations, increased public awareness of teacher compensation issues, and targeted state-level initiatives to raise minimum salaries. States like New Mexico, Arkansas, and Tennessee implemented significant minimum salary increases that rapidly shifted thousands of teachers into higher brackets.
Top Teacher Salary Distribution in the US 2025
Career earning potential—measured by the top salary available to teachers—varies even more dramatically than starting salaries across the United States. The distribution of top teacher salaries reveals how states and districts reward career longevity, advanced education, and professional excellence, with implications for teacher retention and career satisfaction.
| Top Salary Range | Number of Districts | Percentage of Districts | Number of Teachers | Percentage of Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $55,000 | 493 | 4.4% | 35,438 | 1.3% |
| $55,000-$60,000 | 406 | 3.6% | 55,965 | 2.0% |
| $60,000-$65,000 | 1,082 | 9.7% | 101,854 | 3.6% |
| $65,000-$70,000 | 1,110 | 10.0% | 178,868 | 6.4% |
| $70,000-$75,000 | 1,238 | 11.1% | 317,429 | 11.3% |
| $75,000-$80,000 | 1,110 | 10.0% | 231,808 | 8.2% |
| $80,000-$90,000 | 1,820 | 16.3% | 389,986 | 13.9% |
| $90,000-$100,000 | 1,586 | 14.2% | 440,534 | 15.7% |
| $100,000-$200,000 | 2,305 | 20.7% | 1,058,243 | 37.7% |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Table 5
The most striking finding: 20.7% of school districts pay top salaries exceeding $100,000, and these districts employ 37.7% of all teachers—over 1 million educators. This concentration shows that more than one-third of American teachers work in districts where career teachers can earn six-figure salaries, dramatically contradicting outdated stereotypes about teacher pay caps. However, the NEA notes that 96% of these high-paying districts are located in states with comprehensive collective bargaining laws, demonstrating the correlation between union strength and career earnings.
On the opposite extreme, 8.0% of districts pay top salaries below $60,000—meaning veteran teachers with decades of experience and advanced degrees max out below what many entry-level positions require for college graduates in other fields. These 899 districts predominantly cluster in states like Montana, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas, where overall education funding remains chronically low. The 493 districts (4.4%) paying top salaries under $55,000 represent an especially troubling situation, as these salaries fail to provide middle-class stability even for career educators.
The middle tiers show interesting clustering: 27.4% of districts offer top salaries in the $70,000-$80,000 range, employing 19.5% of teachers. This represents typical career compensation in small-to-mid-size districts across much of the country. The $80,000-$90,000 bracket includes 16.3% of districts and nearly 390,000 teachers, while the $90,000-$100,000 range encompasses 14.2% of districts and over 440,000 teachers. Together, these upper-middle ranges account for substantial portions of the teaching workforce in competitive but not elite-paying markets.
State-level variation in top salaries proves dramatic. California leads with a top salary average of $115,531, with some districts exceeding $130,000 for career teachers. Washington follows at $111,826, while Maryland ($104,034), Massachusetts ($102,453), and New York ($100,817) round out states where average top salaries exceed $100,000. At the other extreme, Mississippi ($72,955), Oklahoma ($63,691), Louisiana ($63,316), and North Carolina ($68,874) offer top salaries that barely exceed median starting salaries in high-paying states, providing little incentive for career longevity.
The gap between starting and top salaries within states also reveals philosophical differences in compensation structures. California shows a $57,122 gap between starting ($58,409) and top salaries ($115,531), rewarding experience and longevity substantially. Arkansas, in contrast, shows only a $6,323 gap between starting ($50,031) and top salaries ($56,354)—reflecting its strategy of raising starting salaries dramatically while providing minimal career progression, which the NEA criticizes as a “band-aid” approach that fails to retain veteran teachers.
Economic Comparison: Teacher Salary vs Other Professions in the US 2025
The teacher pay penalty—the gap between teacher salaries and those of comparable college-educated professionals—has grown to record levels in 2025, according to the Economic Policy Institute. This penalty represents one of the most significant challenges facing American public education, affecting recruitment of talented candidates and retention of experienced educators.
| Profession | Average Annual Salary | Education Required | Difference vs Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $124,200 | Bachelor’s Degree | +$50,023 (+67%) |
| Registered Nurse | $86,070 | Bachelor’s Degree | +$11,893 (+16%) |
| Accountant | $79,880 | Bachelor’s Degree | +$5,703 (+8%) |
| Teacher (Average) | $74,177 | Bachelor’s + Certification | Base |
| Social Worker | $61,230 | Bachelor’s Degree | -$12,947 (-17%) |
Data Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024; NEA Rankings 2025
The Economic Policy Institute reports that teachers earn 26.6% less than comparable college-educated professionals when controlling for education level, experience, and hours worked. This represents the largest teacher pay penalty since tracking began in 1996, when the gap was approximately 6%. Over nearly three decades, this widening gap has transformed teaching from a solidly middle-class profession to one where many educators struggle financially or require second jobs.
The comparison with software developers proves particularly stark: these professionals earn an average of $124,200 annually—67% more than teachers—despite typically requiring only a bachelor’s degree without ongoing certification requirements. While teaching demands a bachelor’s degree plus teaching certification, continuing education credits, and often a master’s degree for salary advancement, the financial return on this educational investment lags far behind comparable professions.
Registered nurses provide an instructive comparison as another helping profession requiring similar education. With an average salary of $86,070, nurses earn 16% more than teachers despite comparable educational requirements and similarly demanding emotional and intellectual work. The nursing profession has successfully advocated for competitive compensation by emphasizing the specialized knowledge and critical nature of healthcare work—a strategy education advocates argue should apply equally to teaching.
The data reveals additional concerning trends: 40% of teachers work second jobs to supplement their income, according to 2024 surveys. This represents an increase from 35% in 2015, indicating deteriorating financial conditions despite nominal salary increases. Furthermore, 37% of teachers report that their salary is insufficient to meet basic living expenses without financial stress or additional income sources—a troubling statistic for a profession requiring advanced education and professional credentials.
The impact extends beyond current educators to recruitment of future teachers. Education schools nationwide report declining enrollment, with many talented students choosing more lucrative career paths despite interest in teaching. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education reports that teacher preparation program enrollment has declined 35% since 2010, creating a pipeline problem that exacerbates current teacher shortages. Exit surveys consistently show compensation as a primary factor in decisions to leave teaching or avoid the profession entirely.
State Investment and Policy Impacts on Teacher Salary in the US 2025
State-level policy decisions directly determine teacher compensation through education funding formulas, minimum salary requirements, and collective bargaining laws. Recent years have seen divergent approaches, with some states making historic investments while others implement policies that harm educator pay and retention.
New Mexico represents the most dramatic success story. Through legislation passed in 2022 and additional bills in 2025, the state transformed its compensation structure. Five years ago, New Mexico ranked 39th in starting salaries and 49th in average salaries—near the bottom nationally. Today, New Mexico ranks 7th in starting salaries ($53,400) and 21st in average salaries, with legislation signed in April 2025 adding another $5,000 to minimum teacher salaries at all licensure levels. This represents targeted state investment totaling hundreds of millions of dollars annually, demonstrating how political will can rapidly transform teacher compensation.
California maintains its leadership position through constitutional protections and strong union advocacy. Proposition 98, passed in 1988, requires that a minimum of 40% of the state’s general fund be allocated to K-14 education. This guaranteed funding, combined with comprehensive collective bargaining rights and high cost-of-living adjustments, enables California to pay the nation’s highest average teacher salary at $103,379 projected for 2024-25. However, even California faces challenges: despite high nominal salaries, many teachers in expensive metropolitan areas struggle to afford housing near their schools.
Arkansas provides a cautionary tale about ineffective policy implementation. The state’s LEARNS Act mandated minimum starting salaries but provided inadequate funding for salary schedule compression, creating “administrative uncertainty” according to the NEA. This approach artificially inflated starting salaries to $50,031 (ranking 14th nationally) while leaving the top salary at only $56,354 (ranking 49th)—just $6,323 more than entry level. The NEA criticizes this as “increasing salaries the wrong way,” as it fails to provide career earning potential that retains experienced teachers, instead creating a “band-aid” that generates headlines without solving underlying retention problems.
Florida demonstrates how misguided policies harm education. Despite being a large, economically robust state, Florida ranks 49th in average teacher salary at $56,700 projected for 2024-25. The state implemented a minimum starting salary law in 2020, initially ranking 49th in average salary; however, without comprehensive investment across salary schedules, Florida subsequently dropped to 50th. The NEA notes that Florida’s approach forces school districts to deal with “unnecessary administrative uncertainty” while failing to address the broader compensation and retention crisis. Florida continues to face severe teacher shortages, with thousands of vacancies filled by uncertified teachers.
Utah’s recent policy changes represent a significant setback. Despite strong compensation (ranking 5th in starting salary at $55,711), the state legislature passed a bill banning collective bargaining for all public employees effective July 1, 2025. Utah becomes the seventh state to prohibit public sector bargaining, joining Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Arizona. Education experts predict this policy will negatively impact future salary negotiations, as the collaborative model that characterized decades of successful educator negotiations in Utah is dismantled. Early indicators suggest talented teachers are already considering opportunities in neighboring states with stronger labor protections.
States with comprehensive collective bargaining laws continue to demonstrate superior outcomes. Maryland, Washington, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts all rank in the top 10 for average salaries, and all maintain strong collective bargaining protections. These states show that when teachers have meaningful input into compensation negotiations through organized representation, salaries more accurately reflect the professional nature and educational requirements of teaching work.
Teacher Retention and Salary Satisfaction in the US 2025
The relationship between teacher compensation and workforce retention represents perhaps the most critical challenge facing American education. Low salaries contribute directly to high turnover rates, which disrupt educational continuity, increase district costs for recruitment and training, and disproportionately affect disadvantaged students whose schools experience the highest turnover.
National data indicates that approximately 8% of teachers leave the profession annually, with turnover rates exceeding 15% in high-poverty schools and certain subject areas like mathematics, science, and special education. The National Council on Teacher Quality reports that inadequate compensation ranks as the second-most-cited reason for leaving teaching, behind only lack of administrative support. Significantly, 67% of teachers who leave the profession cite salary as a major factor, and 89% of former teachers say higher compensation would have influenced their decision to stay.
The financial pressures facing teachers extend beyond base salary to overall family economics. Survey data from 2024 reveals that 40% of teachers work second or third jobs during the school year, not just summer employment. This includes evening tutoring, weekend retail work, driving for rideshare services, and other side employment that creates physical and mental strain while reducing time for lesson planning, grading, and personal rest. The need for supplemental income particularly affects teachers in low-paying states and urban areas with high costs of living.
Student loan debt exacerbates compensation challenges, especially for early-career teachers. The average teacher graduates with approximately $35,000-$45,000 in student loan debt, according to the Institute for College Access and Success. With starting salaries around $46,526 nationally, teachers face debt-to-income ratios that financial advisors consider unsustainable. Many teachers report that loan payments consume 15-25% of their take-home pay, forcing difficult choices between loan repayment and basic living expenses.
Housing affordability represents an acute challenge in high-cost regions. In metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles, even six-figure teacher salaries often prove insufficient for homeownership near schools. Teachers increasingly face long commutes from affordable areas, with some surveys showing average commutes exceeding 60-90 minutes each way. This geographic mismatch between school locations and affordable housing undermines teacher wellbeing and contributes to turnover, as educators seek positions closer to affordable communities or leave the profession entirely.
The retention crisis particularly affects high-need schools serving low-income communities and students of color. These schools experience turnover rates approaching 20% annually in some districts, with salary often cited as the primary factor. Teachers in these challenging environments work with students facing the greatest needs yet often receive the lowest compensation, creating perverse incentives that drain experienced educators from the schools that need them most. States like California and Tennessee have implemented salary incentives for teachers in high-need schools, showing modest success in reducing turnover.
Career satisfaction surveys reveal complex relationships between compensation and professional fulfillment. While 92% of teachers report satisfaction with their choice to enter teaching, only 54% report satisfaction with their compensation, according to 2024 surveys. This gap indicates that teachers remain committed to their mission and students despite financial hardships, but inadequate pay erodes morale and sustainability over time. Teachers consistently report feeling undervalued by society, with low salaries serving as tangible evidence that their professional expertise is not respected or appreciated at levels comparable to other educated professions.
The emerging teacher shortage—with an estimated 300,000 open positions nationally at the start of the 2024-25 school year—links directly to compensation issues. Districts struggle to find qualified candidates, particularly in rural areas, special education, mathematics, science, and bilingual education. Many positions remain unfilled or are filled by uncertified substitutes or teachers working outside their credential areas, compromising instructional quality for millions of students. Compensation improvements represent the most direct policy lever available to address these shortages, yet many states resist necessary investments.
Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.