How Much Do New Teachers Make? A State-by-State Guide
America runs on teachers. In 2017, there were some 3.6 million full-time teachers in the U.S. according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). 3.2 million of them were public school teachers serving local communities across the country.
According to the NCES, the average salary for a U.S. public school teacher in the 2016-2017 school year was $58,950, which is 2% lower than the average salary in the 1990-1991 school year when adjusted for inflation. Stagnant wages may be the reason why fewer college students have chosen to major in education. But teachers are more necessary than ever, with NCES predicting over 50 million students in public schools by 2025.
Few teachers chose education as a career path because it’s lucrative — but there are some states where becoming a new teacher may be more profitable than others.
Average Starting Salaries for New Teachers by State
Here’s how much new teachers made on average in every state for the 2017-2018 school year, according to the National Education Association:
- Alabama: $38,491
- Alaska: $46,954
- Arizona: $34,473
- Arkansas: $33,323
- California: $46,992
- Colorado: $33,483
- Connecticut: $45,922
- Delaware: $41,639
- District of Columbia: $55,209
- Florida: $37,636
- Georgia: $35,474
- Hawaii: $46,790
- Idaho: $34,801
- Illinois: $39,236
- Indiana: $35,943
- Iowa: $37,048
- Kansas: $35,769
- Kentucky: $36,752
- Louisiana: $40,303
- Maine: $34,788
- Maryland: $45,147
- Massachusetts: $45,498
- Michigan: $36,599
- Minnesota: $38,529
- Mississippi: $34,784
- Missouri: $32,226
- Montana: $31,418
- Nebraska: $34,465
- Nevada: $39,054
- New Hampshire: $37,395
- New Jersey: $51,443
- New Mexico: $36,405
- New York: $45,589
- North Carolina: $37,631
- North Dakota: $38,611
- Ohio: $35,923
- Oklahoma: $32,010
- Oregon: $36,319
- Pennsylvania: $44,647
- Rhode Island: $41,689
- South Carolina: $33,148
- South Dakota: $38,098
- Tennessee: $37,305
- Texas: $41,481
- Utah: $38,499
- Vermont: $38,499
- Virginia: $40,453
- Washington: $42,240
- West Virginia: $33,715
- Wisconsin: $38,181
- Wyoming: $45,241
Description: A bar chart comparing the average starting salaries of new teachers across different states.
Why Teacher Salaries Matter
Teacher salaries can significantly impact the quality of education students receive. Higher salaries can attract more qualified and experienced teachers, which can lead to better student outcomes. Conversely, low salaries may lead to high turnover rates and a shortage of qualified teachers, which can negatively impact students.
Tips for New Teachers on Budgeting
Even with varying starting salaries, new teachers can manage their finances effectively by following some budgeting tips:
- Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to understand where your money is going. Use budgeting apps to simplify the process.
- Save Early: Start building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months' worth of living expenses.
- Live Within Your Means: Avoid unnecessary expenses and focus on living within your salary. Prioritize needs over wants.
- Seek Additional Income: Consider side jobs or summer work to supplement your income. Tutoring, coaching, or freelance work can provide extra cash.
- Take Advantage of Benefits: Utilize any benefits offered by your school district, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
Description: A teacher using a budgeting app to manage finances.
Conclusion
While teacher salaries vary widely by state, understanding the average starting salaries can help new teachers make informed decisions about their careers and finances. By budgeting wisely and taking advantage of available resources, new teachers can manage their financial future effectively.
