This browser does not support the Video element.
Teachers leaving the classroom in record numbers
Teacher shortages are at an all-time high.
LOS ANGELES - Despite record-level increases in some states, the average school teacher pay nationwide has failed to keep up with inflation over the past decade.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), the nation’s largest teachers union, on average, teachers are making 5% less than they did 10 years ago.
This is especially alarming for educators who live in states with a high cost of living, such as California and New York.
Based on the NEA study that examined teacher salaries for the 2022-23 school year, the Golden State topped the list. However, that comes with experience, as Washington D.C. took the first spot for the highest average starting teacher salary at $63,373.
California average teacher starting salary
- California ranks fourth in the nation with an average starting teacher salary of $55,283
California average teacher salary
- California topped the list with teachers making an average of $95,160 for the 2022-23 school year
When looking at California overall, the minimum living wage was $68,182. Of course, that number increases when looking at big cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.
SUGGESTED:
- This map shows the hourly wage needed to afford rent in California
- This is considered middle class income in California, study shows
- California among top 3 states where most homes will cost at least $1 million by 2030: study
- New study puts California in bottom 15 of ‘Best States to Live in’
States with the highest average teacher salaries:
California ($95,160)
New York ($92,696)
Massachusetts ($92,307)
Washington ($86,804)
District of Columbia ($84,882)
States with the lowest average teacher salaries:
West Virginia ($52,870)
Florida ($53,098)
South Dakota ($53,153)
Mississippi ($53,354)
Missouri ($53,999)
Check out a full map that shows the school teacher salary averages and starting salary averages in each state for 2024.
FOX 29 Philadelphia helped contribute to this report.