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Research & Publications

NEA Research provides comparative state data and national averages on a host of important public education statistics, teacher salaries, student enrollment, and revenue and expenditures each year.
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Rankings of the States and Estimates of School Statistics (Rankings & Estimates) is an annual report that NEA’s Research Department has published in some form since 1943.

The report consists of three sections of education and financial data including average teacher salaries, enrollment, student-teacher ratios, and revenues and expenditures:

  1. Rankings: state comparisons for the previous two years;
  2. Estimates: projections by state for the current school year compared with the previous year; and
  3. National Trends: summary data for the United States for the past 10 years.

NEA collects the data for Rankings & Estimates from state departments of education through an annual survey, supplemented by data from state affiliates and public federal and state datasets.

2025 Report

A few of the key measures included in this report are:

  • Average teacher salaries and how these have changed over time
  • Which states had the largest increases, and which had the largest decreases, in average teacher salary over the past year
  • Revenues of state and local governments, generated through taxation, which provide insights into governmental financial resources that are available for financing public education
  • Current expenditures per student, which are an indicator of state and local government “effort” to fund public education

Check out the downloads below to see the Rankings and Estimates reports, and email [email protected] for more information.

Educator Pay in Your State

  • Alabama

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,610
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #31
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $61,912
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #33
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    66¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $60,531
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $13,176
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #41
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $30,776
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #40
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $42,935
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #35
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $92,342
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #34
    in the nation

  • Alaska

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $52,451
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #9
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $78,256
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #10
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $86,128
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $20,638
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #13
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $40,588
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #9
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $44,515
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #26
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $89,364
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #39
    in the nation

  • Arizona

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $46,128
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #23
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $62,714
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #29
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    66¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $66,744
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $11,808
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #48
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $32,374
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #29
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $45,345
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #22
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $105,188
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #17
    in the nation

  • Arkansas

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $50,031
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #14
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,337
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #41
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    75¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $58,446
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $13,061
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #42
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $30,415
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #42
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $40,487
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #46
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $78,353
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #50
    in the nation

  • California

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $58,409
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #2
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $101,084
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #1
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $69,601
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $18,969
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #17
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $41,013
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #5
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $51,110
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #3
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $133,447
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #1
    in the nation

  • Colorado

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,421
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #41
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $68,647
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #20
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    62¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $68,473
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $16,889
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #21
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $35,249
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #21
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $48,471
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #11
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $99,017
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #27
    in the nation

  • Connecticut

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $49,860
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #15
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $86,511
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #6
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $90,897
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $24,012
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #6
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $40,743
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #8
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $54,653
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #1
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $119,180
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #5
    in the nation

  • Delaware

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $48,407
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #19
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $71,186
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #16
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    84¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $73,822
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $19,401
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #15
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $42,551
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #2
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $45,242
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #23
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $121,990
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #3
    in the nation

  • Florida

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $48,639
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #17
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $54,875
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #50
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $61,002
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $13,584
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #39
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $33,324
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #26
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $42,681
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #37
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $107,149
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #13
    in the nation

  • Georgia

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $43,654
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #35
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $67,641
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #23
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    73¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $60,167
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $14,546
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #31
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,472
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #38
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $41,096
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #44
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $95,190
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #31
    in the nation

  • Hawaii

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $51,835
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #10
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $74,222
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #14
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $103,670
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $18,943
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #18
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $40,894
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #7
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $47,084
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #17
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $119,443
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #4
    in the nation

  • Idaho

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $45,717
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #24
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $61,516
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #34
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    73¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $60,738
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $9,942
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #51
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $28,345
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #47
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $39,438
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #49
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $84,225
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #45
    in the nation

  • Illinois

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $45,061
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #26
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $75,978
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #13
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $66,359
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $21,657
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #10
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $35,651
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #18
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $44,272
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #27
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $106,064
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #14
    in the nation

  • Indiana

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $45,007
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #27
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,620
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #39
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $63,090
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $13,374
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #40
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,501
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #37
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $44,251
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #28
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $101,684
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #21
    in the nation

  • Iowa

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $40,997
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #46
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $62,399
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #32
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    81¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $62,495
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $13,931
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #36
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $30,966
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #39
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $47,841
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #14
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $108,102
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #12
    in the nation

  • Kansas

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,800
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #36
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,146
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #44
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    73¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $62,101
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $14,901
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #30
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $28,270
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #48
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $43,069
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #34
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $89,708
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #37
    in the nation

  • Kentucky

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $40,161
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #48
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,325
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #42
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    69¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $60,408
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $14,174
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #35
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $28,088
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #49
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $41,865
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #39
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $83,327
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #47
    in the nation

  • Louisiana

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $46,682
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #22
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $55,911
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #47
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    72¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $62,158
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $17,541
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #19
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $29,764
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #44
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $41,860
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #40
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $79,520
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #49
    in the nation

  • Maine

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,380
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #42
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $62,570
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #30
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    79¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $71,296
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $22,153
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #8
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,708
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #35
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $43,371
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #33
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $92,904
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #33
    in the nation

  • Maryland

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $54,439
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #6
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $84,338
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #7
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    73¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $64,242
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $19,345
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #26
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $38,613
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #11
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $46,467
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #19
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $115,268
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #6
    in the nation

  • Massachusetts

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $52,616
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #8
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $92,076
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #3
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    77¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $79,117
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $26,123
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #4
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $37,876
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #13
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $50,558
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #4
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $109,142
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #11
    in the nation

  • Michigan

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $41,645
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #44
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $69,067
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #19
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    71¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $62,245
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $14,489
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #32
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,753
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #33
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $48,156
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #12
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $112,298
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #7
    in the nation

  • Minnesota

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,995
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #28
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $72,430
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #15
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    67¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $64,701
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $16,593
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #24
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $35,938
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #16
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $47,933
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #13
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $104,351
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #20
    in the nation

  • Mississippi

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,492
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #40
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $53,704
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #51
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    84¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $62,865
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $12,490
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #45
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $27,741
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #50
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $38,146
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #50
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $78,015
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #51
    in the nation

  • Missouri

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,871
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #49
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $55,132
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #49
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    67¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $57,382
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $13,586
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #38
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,711
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #34
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $44,201
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #29
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $89,443
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #38
    in the nation

  • Montana

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $35,674
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #51
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $57,556
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #45
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    77¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $67,948
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $14,480
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #33
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $32,037
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #30
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $41,360
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #42
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $84,296
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #44
    in the nation

  • Nebraska

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,811
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #50
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $60,239
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #37
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $65,822
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $15,896
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #26
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $30,408
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #43
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $45,151
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #24
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $95,837
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #30
    in the nation

  • Nevada

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $47,355
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #20
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $66,930
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #25
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $70,917
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $11,927
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #47
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $39,327
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #10
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $48,808
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #8
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $105,568
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #15
    in the nation

  • New Hampshire

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,588
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #38
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $67,170
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #24
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    68¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $79,021
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $22,252
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #7
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $32,762
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #28
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $41,709
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #41
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $100,947
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #24
    in the nation

  • New Jersey

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $57,603
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #4
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $82,877
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #8
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    87¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $85,129
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $24,831
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #5
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $42,233
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #3
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $52,064
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #2
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $129,661
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #2
    in the nation

  • New Mexico

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $53,400
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #7
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $68,440
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #21
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    83¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $67,411
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $15,183
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #29
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $29,457
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #45
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $42,788
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #36
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $91,094
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #36
    in the nation

  • New York

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $50,077
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #13
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $95,615
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #2
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    83¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2024

    Minimum Living Wage

    $71,455
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $31,514
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #1
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $40,939
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #6
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $49,143
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #7
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $104,460
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #19
    in the nation

  • North Carolina

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,542
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #39
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,292
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #43
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    75¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $58,411
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $13,796
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #37
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,686
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #36
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $43,765
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #31
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $98,421
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #28
    in the nation

  • North Dakota

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $43,734
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #34
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,581
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #40
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $62,610
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $17,492
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #20
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $35,259
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #20
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $47,671
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #15
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $86,852
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #42
    in the nation

  • Ohio

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $40,982
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #47
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $68,236
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 202
    #22
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    83¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $61,682
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $15,436
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #28
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $35,775
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #17
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $47,636
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #16
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $101,619
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #22
    in the nation

  • Oklahoma

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $41,152
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #45
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $61,330
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #35
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    67¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $60,423
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $11,311
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #49
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $27,656
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #51
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $39,785
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #48
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $88,372
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #41
    in the nation

  • Oregon

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,446
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #33
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $77,130
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #11
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    71¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $76,602
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $16,760
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #23
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $34,656
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #23
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $46,023
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #20
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $100,734
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #25
    in the nation

  • Pennsylvania

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $50,470
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #11
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $76,961
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #12
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    81¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $58,542
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $20,779
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #12
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $36,869
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #15
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $45,562
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #21
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $104,820
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #18
    in the nation

  • Rhode Island

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $47,205
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #21
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $82,189
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #9
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    90¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $85,000
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $21,794
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #9
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $42,940
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #1
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $49,221
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #6
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $105,299
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #16
    in the nation

  • South Carolina

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,693
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #30
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $60,763
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #36
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    86¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $60,284
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $14,306
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #34
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,800
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #32
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $44,766
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #25
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $94,872
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #32
    in the nation

  • South Dakota

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $45,530
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #25
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $56,328
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #46
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    84¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $64,086
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $12,956
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #43
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $30,618
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #41
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $35,815
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #51
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $84,406
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #43
    in the nation

  • Tennessee

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,897
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #29
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,630
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #38
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    72¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $58,440
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $12,616
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #44
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $29,362
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #46
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $40,297
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #47
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $92,121
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #35
    in the nation

  • Texas

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $48,526
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #18
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $62,463
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #31
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    77¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $58,033
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $12,423
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #46
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $31,812
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #31
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $44,198
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #30
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $101,189
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #23
    in the nation

  • Utah

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $55,711
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #5
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $69,161
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #18
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    70¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $68,293
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $11,289
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #50
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $37,437
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #14
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $41,177
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #43
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $112,057
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #8
    in the nation

  • Vermont

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,524
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #32
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $69,562
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #17
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    87¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $117,218
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $28,697
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #2
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $35,071
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #22
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $40,544
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #45
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $88,475
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #40
    in the nation

  • Virginia

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $48,666
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #16
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $66,327
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #26
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    67¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $61,250
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $16,832
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #22
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $34,490
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #24
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $46,705
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #18
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $112,022
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #9
    in the nation

  • Washington

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $57,912
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #3
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $91,720
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #4
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    72¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $67,332
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $19,955
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #14
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $38,609
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #12
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $49,875
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #5
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $110,332
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #10
    in the nation

  • Washington, D.C.

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $63,373
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #1
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $86,663
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #5
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    81¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $101,008
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $27,905
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #3
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $41,097
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #4
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $48,520
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #10
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $83,630
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #46
    in the nation

  • West Virginia

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,708
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #37
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $55,516
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #48
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    79¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $64,800
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $15,797
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #27
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $33,247
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #27
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $43,414
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #32
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $80,874
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #48
    in the nation

  • Wisconsin

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,259
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #43
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $65,762
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #27
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    75¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $67,853
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $16,285
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #25
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $35,577
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #19
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $48,568
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #9
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $99,102
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #26
    in the nation

  • Wyoming

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $50,214
    NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, FY 2023-24, April 2025
    #12
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $63,669
    State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #28
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    89¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, September 2025

    Minimum Living Wage

    $71,181
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2024 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Per Student Spending

    $20,869
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2023-24, NEA Rankings & Estimates Report, April 2025
    #11
    in the nation

    Average K-12 ESP Earnings

    $33,676
    Average K-12 ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #25
    in the nation

    Average HE ESP Earnings

    $41,936
    Average Higher Education ESP Earnings, FY 2023-24, NEA Education Support Professional Earnings Report, April 2025
    #38
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $97,591
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2023-24, NEA Higher Education Faculty Salary Analysis, April 2025
    #29
    in the nation

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