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Teacher salary by state

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Rank 1 of 50 $0 Average teacher salary, 2024-25
Starting salary$0
Vs national average$0National average $74,495
Side by side

Source: NEA Rankings and Estimates and Teacher Salary Benchmark reports, 2024-25 school year. Not adjusted for cost of living.

All 50 states
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What teachers earn in every state

The average US public school teacher earned $74,495 in 2024-25, and the average starting salary was $48,112. Pay varies widely by state, from $103,552 in California to $54,975 in Mississippi. This tool puts the latest NEA figures for every state in one place, so you can compare states and see how an offer stacks up.

At a glance

Highest and lowest paying states for teachers

Highest average payCalifornia ($103,552), New York ($98,655) and Washington ($96,589).
Lowest average payMississippi ($54,975), Florida ($56,663) and Louisiana ($56,785).
Highest starting payWashington ($60,658), California ($59,424) and New Jersey ($58,727).
Lowest starting payMontana ($36,682), Nebraska ($39,561) and Missouri ($40,682).
How to use it

How to compare teacher salaries

  1. 1
    Pick your stateSee its average and starting salary, and where it ranks out of 50.
  2. 2
    Compare a second stateThinking of moving? Put two states side by side against the national average.
  3. 3
    Check an offerType a salary offer to see how it compares with the state average and starting pay.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in the US?+

The national average public school teacher salary was $74,495 in 2024-25, according to the NEA. The average starting salary was $48,112.

Which state pays teachers the most?+

California, with an average teacher salary of $103,552. Washington has the highest starting salary at $60,658.

Which state pays teachers the least?+

Mississippi has the lowest average teacher salary at $54,975. Montana has the lowest starting salary at $36,682.

Are these salaries adjusted for cost of living?+

No. These are nominal salaries. High-paying states like California, New York and Massachusetts also tend to have a higher cost of living.

Where does this data come from?+

Average salaries come from the NEA Rankings and Estimates report and starting salaries from the NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark report, both for the 2024-25 school year.

Why is my district different from the state average?+

Each district sets its own salary schedule based on years of experience and education. Check your district’s published salary schedule for exact steps.