How much are teachers earning in America?

We compare average teacher salaries in each state, plus the salary difference between public and private schools as well as primary and secondary schools.

Average Teacher Salaries in Each State

Click on the state names in the table to view the Best Places to Teach ranking for that state:

The national average starting teacher salary is $38,617, while the average teacher salary in America (non-starting) is $58,950.

Montana has the lowest starting salary: $30,036, while D.C. has the highest starting salary: $51,359. New York has the highest average teacher salary: $79,637 and South Dakota has the lowest: $42,668.

Average Teacher Salaries: Private vs. Public School

Average Salary by Years Experience

Surprisingly, teacher salaries are higher overall at public schools, rather than at private schools.

Comparing primary vs. secondary school salaries

Public schools

Average secondary school teacher base salary: $53,520 Average primary school teacher base salary: $52,620

Private Schools

Average secondary school teacher base salary: $44,720 Average primary school teacher base salary: $36,260

Continue Your Research

Want to see the schools in American where teachers are treated well? We ranked the best places to teach in America. Check it out!

Sources

NEA 2016-2017 Average Starting Salaries by State NCES Estimated average salary of teachers in public elementary and secondary schools, by state, 2016-2017 NCES Average salaries for full-time teachers in public and private elementary and secondary schools, 2011-2012, which is the most current data available for both the public and private sector