Teacher Salary by State

What it is

Where you teach may matter more to your paycheck than almost anything else. Average teacher salaries range from over $100,000 in the highest states to the mid-$50,000s in the lowest — a gap of nearly two-to-one. Here’s the landscape and what drives it.

How it works

Why such big gaps? Several factors:

• Cost of livingHigh-cost states tend to pay more (though it may not stretch further)
• FundingHow much a state and its local districts invest in schools
• Collective bargainingStates with bargaining rights tend to have higher pay, especially top-of-scale
• Local tax baseWealthier districts can often pay more than neighbors in the same state
• Policy prioritiesSome states have pushed minimum starting salaries upward

Types & options

Using NEA’s 2024–25 averages:

• Highest-paying statesCalifornia (~$104,000), New York (~$99,000), and Washington (~$97,000) lead
• Lowest-paying statesMississippi (~$55,000), Florida (~$57,000), and Louisiana (~$57,000) are at the bottom
• Biggest recent raisesStates like Nevada, D.C., and Delaware posted the largest one-year increases
• Starting-pay leadersCalifornia, Washington, and New Jersey have the highest average starting salaries

Who it's for

Remember these are state averages — pay varies widely within a state, district to district. And a high nominal salary in an expensive area may buy less than a lower one in a cheaper region, so weigh cost of living too.

Tips

• Compare cost-adjusted payA dollar goes further in some states than others
• Look at the district, not just the stateIn-state variation can be large
• Check starting vs. top paySome states start low but top out high, or vice versa
• Factor pensions and benefitsTotal compensation, not just salary, is what matters

Frequently asked questions

• Which state pays teachers the most?California, on average (~$104,000 in 2024–25), followed by New York and Washington.
• Which pay the least?Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana average lowest (~$55,000–$57,000).
• Why do states differ so much?Cost of living, school funding, bargaining laws, and local tax bases.
• Do these numbers include benefits?No — they’re base salaries; pensions and benefits are additional.

Key facts

• HighestCA, NY, WA
• LowestMS, FL, LA
• Range~$55k to ~$104k average
• SourceNEA 2024–25

Where to learn more

Learn more: