Which State Pay Teachers and Educators the Best?
According to the National Education Association’s 2024 report on educator pay in 50 states and the District of Columbia, the national average educator salary has increased to $69,544 for the 2022–23 academic year.
California appeared at the top of the list of states that pay teachers and educators the best. An educator in California received an average of $95,150 in the 2022–23 academic year. New York has fallen from the number one spot to the second. New York State paid educators an average salary of $92,696 in the 2022–23 academic year.
Massachusetts was the third best-paying state, with an average teacher salary of $92,307. Washington, where educators receive an average salary of $86,804, was next. Meanwhile, District of Columbia educators earned an average salary of $84,882 in the 2022–23 academic year.
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From the bottom of the list, West Virginia found an average educator salary of $53,870 in the 2022–2023 academic year. Slightly above West Virginia was Florida, with an average educator salary of $53,098 in the academic year.
The Nation Education Association (NEA) report indicated that the average teacher salary would need to catch up with inflation, with educators making 5 percent less than they did a decade ago.
The national average educator salary in the 2022–23 academic year was $44,530. The average salary of teachers has increased significantly over the last 14 years, and the NEA has also been tracking the records since then. However, according to the NEA records, salaries are still $4,000 below the 2008–09 level.
One of the main problems for educators worldwide is the persistent low pay. According to the NEA report, about 77% of school districts pay teachers as low as $50,000; more than a third of full-time K–12 education support professionals earn below $25,000 a year.
Unions played a vital role in increasing educators’ salaries over the years. The report says teachers enjoyed an average 26% salary increment in the states with collective bargaining, while education support professionals make about 16% more.
The NEA president, Becky Pringle, stated that every student, regardless of their race or geographical location, desires committed, qualified, and caring educators. He also added that every educator needs the fierce support of the union to assist them in inspiring students’ imagination, curiosity, and love for learning and proving the relevant skills students need to thrive in their brilliance.
Pringle went further to say that the good news is that through the unions, the teachers have demanded maximum respect and a special seat at the table, and through their collective voice, they can demand more. Through unions, educators can demand more from their students and more professional respect, as well as negotiate for better salaries and conditions of service.
If teachers hold their elected officials accountable, educators will earn more respect, competitive wages, and the necessary support to provide students with quality learning and teaching environments.
The report was released at a period when teacher shortage was high, and the United States was experiencing a teacher shortage. According to reports, many teachers leave the field because of low salaries. Other factors might also be responsible for a teacher leaving their profession, but the ultimate reason is the pay and conditions of services.
