California Ranks Among Top States For Teacher Pay In U.S.: Report

CALIFORNIA — California teachers are among the highest-paid educators in the U.S., according to Business.org's annual teacher pay report, which compares how much teachers earn vs. the average salary in each state.

The report compared teacher earnings across the U.S. from 2019 to 2020 and examined how teacher pay has changed over the last decade.

The good news is that the average American teacher is earning more money in 2021, however, this progress could be complicated by the pandemic and economic downturn, Education Week reports.

The warning comes from the country's largest teacher's union, the National Education Association, which estimates that the national average teacher salary for the 2020-21 school year is $65,090—a 1.5 percent increase from the previous year.

Education leaders say the fight to pay teachers more has helped push the issue forward.

“Because of the #RedForEd movement and public awareness and pressure to improve the teaching profession, teachers were able to make up ground and make some gains in their salaries, especially in under-resourced communities,” said NEA President Becky Pringle in a statement.

In the past decade, the national average teacher salary increased by about 0.9 percent, which is adjusted to include inflation, the NEA reports.

The Business.org report ranked each state on the percentage change of teacher salaries compared to other occupations.

Pennsylvania ranked highest for comparative teacher pay at No. 1. The average teacher there earned $70,258. Pennsylvania teachers earned 30 percent more than the average wage.

The East Coast had six of the best-paying states for teachers, including New York, which paid teachers the highest salary at an average of $87,233. New York ranked No. 2 for comparative teacher pay.

California ranked No. 3 for comparative teacher pay. Teachers in California earned $84,659, which is 28.80 percent more than the average salary in California. The teacher salary in California was 4.59 percent higher in 2021 compared to 2010.

Several states rank among the worst-paying for teachers, including the District of Columbia, Virginia and Colorado. Teachers in these states often earned 17 percent and 10 percent less than the average wage.

The Top 10 States With The Highest Teacher Salaries

1. Pennsylvania.
2. New York.
3. California.
4. New Jersey.
5. Iowa.
6. Connecticut.
7. Massachusetts.
8. Oregon.
9. Illinois.
10. Kentucky.

How Have Teacher Salaries Changed In 10 Years?

Teacher salaries dropped in many states over the last decade.

"Nationally, teacher salaries dipped by about 3% from 2010 to 2020," according to the report. "But seven states saw dramatic decreases in teacher pay of over 10%: Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Florida, Wyoming, Arkansas, and Ohio."

Some salaries increased for educators, but not by much. Cost of living also varies between states and the barrier to enter education can be difficult in states where starting salaries are offered at $40,000, NEA reports.

"However, some states like South Dakota, Vermont, and California saw small teacher salary increases below 7%," the report says. "And Washington state stands out with a nearly 16% increase in teacher pay from 2010 to 2020."

How much are teachers paid in your state? See the full Business.org report to find out.

SEE MORE:

• Top 10 Most Instagrammable Beaches Include LA, OC Destinations
• LA Votes To Require Vaccine Proof At Bars, Restaurants, Gyms
• The Heartbreaking Reality Of Venice's Homeless Crisis (Photos)