Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future, but salaries vary widely across the U.S. If you’re an educator looking for the highest-paying states, this guide ranks the best states for teacher salaries based on average pay, cost of living, benefits, and job opportunities.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Teachers
1. New York
- Average Salary: $92,222 (Highest in the U.S.)
- Starting Salary: ~$61,070
- Perks: Strong unions, pension plans, high demand in NYC
- Downside: High cost of living (especially NYC)
2. California
- Average Salary: $87,275
- Starting Salary: ~$55,000
- Perks: Great benefits, tenure protections, sunny weather
- Downside: Expensive housing (Bay Area, Los Angeles)
3. Massachusetts
- Average Salary: $86,755
- Starting Salary: ~$50,000
- Perks: High-performing schools, strong unions
- Downside: Competitive job market
4. Washington
- Average Salary: $80,940
- Starting Salary: ~$50,000
- Perks: No state income tax, strong teacher support
- Downside: Rising housing costs (Seattle area)
5. Connecticut
- Average Salary: $78,510
- Starting Salary: ~$48,000
- Perks: High education budgets, affluent districts
- Downside: High taxes
6. New Jersey
- Average Salary: $77,490
- Starting Salary: ~$55,000
- Perks: Good pensions, strong public schools
- Downside: Expensive suburbs
7. Maryland
- Average Salary: $76,916
- Starting Salary: ~$50,000
- Perks: Proximity to D.C., good benefits
- Downside: High living costs near cities
8. Alaska
- Average Salary: $75,820
- Starting Salary: ~$50,000
- Perks: No state income tax, remote pay bonuses
- Downside: Extreme weather, rural isolation
9. Pennsylvania
- Average Salary: $73,078
- Starting Salary: ~$48,000
- Perks: Strong unions, historic school districts
- Downside: Varies by district (urban vs. rural)
10. Rhode Island
- Average Salary: $72,983
- Starting Salary: ~$45,000
- Perks: Small class sizes, good benefits
- Downside: Limited job openings
Best States for Teacher Pay vs. Cost of Living
While New York and California pay the most, they also have high living costs. Here are the best states where salaries go further:
1. Michigan
- Average Salary: $65,021
- Affordability: Lower housing costs than coastal states
2. Texas
- Average Salary: $58,887
- Affordability: No state income tax, cheaper housing
3. Illinois
- Average Salary: $70,705
- Affordability: Chicago suburbs pay well with reasonable costs
4. Ohio
- Average Salary: $63,209
- Affordability: Low cost of living, strong unions
5. Minnesota
- Average Salary: $65,710
- Affordability: Good pay with mid-range living costs
Worst-Paying States for Teachers
Avoid these states if salary is a priority:
- Mississippi ($47,162)
- South Dakota ($49,547)
- West Virginia ($50,315)
- Florida ($51,167) – Low pay despite high demand
How to Maximize Your Teaching Salary
- Move to a High-Paying State (NY, CA, MA).
- Work in High-Need Areas (STEM, special education, ESL).
- Earn a Master’s Degree (+5,000–5,000–10,000 more per year).
- Teach in Private/Charter Schools (some pay more than public).
- Negotiate Contracts (especially in unionized states).
Final Verdict: Where Should You Teach?
✅ Best for High Salaries: New York, California, Massachusetts
✅ Best for Affordability: Michigan, Texas, Ohio
❌ Avoid for Pay: Mississippi, Florida, South Dakota
If you want top pay, head to the Northeast or West Coast. For balance, consider Midwestern states with solid salaries and lower costs.
