Teacher pay remains a central issue in education policy across the US. As we head into the 2025-26 academic year, teachers are no doubt asking themselves - Whats the average teacher salary in the US and what’s next?

This guide dives into the most recent figures from the National Education Association (NEA) and state education departments. From national averages to regional disparities, we’ll explore key trends shaping teacher compensation today, how salaries for K-12 and high school educators differ—and what that means for the future.

The state of teacher pay in 2025-26: national trends

The NEA’s latest report (2025) places the national average full-time teacher salary at $74,200, a 4.1% increase from 2024. While this marks progress, when adjusted for inflation, real educator pay remains below their 2015 peak.

Two states—California and New York—now report average teacher salaries above $100,000 and $95,000 respectively (California Department of Education, TeachNYC). Meanwhile, states like Mississippi and South Dakota still fall below $50,000 on average.

This gap reflects deep structural differences in local economies, school districts, tax bases, and education funding priorities.

K-12 Teacher salaries by state: a detailed view

Below is an overview of the average teacher salaries across all 50 states for 2025-26 - based on NEA and state department data:

A full interactive map is available on NEA’s website for those seeking state-by-state breakdowns.

It’s also important to note that there are a variety of factors which can affect pay, including your level of experience, if you are a public school teacher, a paraprofessional, if you have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, and school district.

High school teacher salaries: how do they compare?

While national averages for K–12 educators provide a useful overview, it’s important to note that high school teachers tend to earn slightly more than their elementary and middle school counterparts.

According to the latest NEA data (2025), the average high school teacher salary in the US is approximately $78,500, about 6% higher than the overall K–12 average of $74,200. This difference reflects the additional subject specialization often required at the secondary level, as well as the prevalence of advanced certifications among high school educators.

Regional variations in high school teacher pay

The same state-by-state disparities apply to high school teachers, with some notable highlights:

Cost of living: salary increases aren’t always high value

For career changers, or those looking at moving to a new area, it is tempting to chase the highest salary, but cost of living plays a major role in actual purchasing power.

For example:

• A teacher earning $101,400 in San Francisco in a school year faces housing costs 82% above the national average (Bureau of Economic Analysis).

• Meanwhile, an educator in Des Moines, Iowa earning $58,000 may enjoy a higher real standard of living due to far lower expenses.

When evaluating offers, educators should consider regional cost-of-living indices (COLIs) alongside salary figures.

Practical considerations for educators

If you’re planning your next move or negotiating a contract:

• Review district pay scales and “step” systems carefully.

• Compare total compensation, including pensions and health benefits.

• Consider roles in high-need areas (STEM, special education, bilingual instruction), which often offer higher pay or bonuses.

• Evaluate cost of living in prospective locations to determine actual value.

How Zen Educate helps

Zen Educate offers teachers a smarter way to navigate today’s complex job market. Using advanced job-matching technology, our platform connects teachers with roles that fit their skills, preferences, and location.

With Zen Educate, teachers can:

• Access higher-paying opportunities tailored to your profile

• Enjoy greater flexibility and control over their schedule

• Manage applications seamlessly through a transparent platform

The outlook for 2026 and beyond

Teacher salaries are trending upward, but challenges remain. Real wage growth, cost-of-living alignment, and equitable distribution of funding will be critical to attracting and retaining talent in education.

By staying informed and leveraging innovative platforms like Zen Educate, teachers can better position themselves for success in a changing landscape.