Differences in Teacher Salaries by State: Benefits of a Master of Education

The educational attainment of the nation’s teachers is on the rise, and the benefits of a master’s-level education could be a key reason why.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that, in 2020-2021, 51 percent of public school teachers held a master’s degree, compared with 48 percent in 2011-2012. The payoff, for many, includes higher salaries.

NCES reports that public elementary and secondary school teachers who had a master’s degree had a median annual salary of $67,000 nationally in 2020-2021. For those whose highest level of education was a bachelor’s degree, the median annual salary was $52,500.

Teachers who are considering earning a Master of Education degree should learn about the potential advantages it can provide, including increased pay. But education isn’t the only factor that can influence a teacher’s salary. Among the other key factors affecting how much an educator earns is location, so it makes sense to explore teacher salaries by state.

Teacher Salaries by State and Region

Nationally, the median pay for teachers was above the median for all occupations in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Teacher Salaries

The BLS provides national median annual salary information for the following categories of teachers:

Preschool
Kindergarten and elementary school
Middle school
High school
Special education

Nationally, in May 2021, these teachers had a median annual salary of $61,030. By comparison, the median annual salary for all jobs the BLS tracks across the United States was $45,760.

A variety of factors can contribute to an individual teacher’s salary in addition to their education level and location. The cost of living in their area, the number of teachers in the job market and demand for teachers in their specific subject or grade also can affect their salary.

Teacher Salaries by Region

The National Education Association (NEA) provides regional salary data for teachers from 12,000 school districts, categorized by U.S. Census Bureau region. A 2023 report from the organization lists the following range of approximate median 2021-2022 salaries — from the starting salary to the top salary — for each region:

South — $40,900 to $65,600
Midwest — $39,600 to $74,900
Northeast — $44,400 to $90,200
West — $45,900 to $85,800

Teacher Salaries by State

To get an accurate sense of how salaries are affected by location, it’s worth looking at both regional and state-by-state examples. For example, education department and school district sources in a sampling of Southern states report the following median salaries for teachers with five years of experience:

Georgia — About $62,400 for 2022-2023, according to Gwinnett County Public Schools, in the Atlanta area
Alabama — About $57,000 for 2023, according to the Alabama State Department of Education
South Carolina — About $46,000 for 2023, according to the South Carolina Department of Education
Tennessee — About $55,300 for 2023-2024, according to Sevier County Schools

By comparison, the highest teacher salaries by state, according to May 2022 BLS data, are in California and New York. California and New York are also among the three states in the nation with the highest cost of living, however, according to a 2022 analysis by CNBC.

The BLS lists the top-earning states for teachers, reporting the mean of those salaries according to the education level or population of students.

California — In 2022, kindergarten, middle school and high school teachers all had mean annual salaries that topped $90,000. As another example, special education teachers for kindergarten- and elementary-level students had a mean annual salary of $86,440.
New York — Examples of teachers’ mean annual salaries were $89,640 for kindergarten, $89,580 for elementary, $93,000 for middle school and $91,290 for high school. Special education teachers for high school had a mean annual salary of $89,170.
District of Columbia — Preschool teachers’ salaries were the highest in the country, $59,110.

How to Increase Your Teaching Salary

For teachers who want to increase their salaries, seeking additional education or higher-paying positions can be good options. But these aren’t the only paths that could lead to increased earnings.

Among the other actions that teachers can take to pursue higher salaries are the following:

Pursuing professional development opportunities — Options for professional development for teachers are available through school districts and other resources, with many providing skills that prepare educators for advancement.
Obtaining certifications — Taking college courses that enhance a state teaching certification, such as those related to school administration, can qualify teachers for higher-paying educator roles.
Adding extracurricular responsibilities — Teachers with experience in athletics or other extracurricular activities can add to their salaries by taking on coaching or other leadership roles for school teams and clubs.

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Education?

The potential for higher earnings is a key reason to pursue a master’s degree in education, along with enhancement of skills and staying up to date with the latest teaching strategies.

Gaining a Higher Salary Potential

Each district has its own guidelines for which types of master’s degrees qualify their teachers for salary upgrades. Teachers should research and be aware of the specific requirements for salary upgrades in their district. Figures from the Southern states cited above are evidence of the potential for increased earnings that earning an advanced degree can provide.

Following is data regarding teacher salaries by state for teachers with and without a master’s degree who have five years of experience:

Georgia — Gwinnett County Public Schools reports that those without a master’s degree in 2022-2023 had a salary of about $54,200, while those with a master’s degree earned about $59,800.
Alabama — The state education department indicates that those with no master’s degree earned about $47,700 in 2023. Those with a master’s degree had an annual salary of about $54,800.
South Carolina — Those who did not have a master’s degree had a 2023 salary of about $40,800, according to the state department of education. With a master’s degree, their salary was about $45,960.
Tennessee — Those with no master’s degree had a salary of about $47,100 in 2023-2024, Sevier County Schools reports. Those without a master’s degree earned about $51,600.

Developing as an Educator

Pursuing a master’s degree in education can be a great way for teachers to expand on their undergraduate and professional experiences. Through this degree work, they can explore education research and theory to develop their confidence and skills in areas ranging from classroom management to teacher self-assessment of goals, concerns and achievements.

Learning Teaching Strategies

Building on their education can help teachers stay abreast of the latest strategies for helping students succeed. From creating more inclusive learning environments to developing a student-focused curriculum, the lessons of education master’s programs can ensure that teachers are connecting with students and making the greatest impact.

Staying Up to Date

Whether they’re using digital tools to enhance learning, provide student support or increase their own productivity, teachers need to understand the latest instructional technology. Completing a master’s degree in education program can equip teachers with the most up-to-date information about technology and how to use it to boost their effectiveness.

Pursue the Benefits an MEd Can Bring

From seeking the potential for a higher salary to working to improve their skills as educators, teachers who earn a Master of Education degree can put themselves at the forefront of efforts to provide high-quality instruction.

If you’re looking to enhance your teaching career and pay, you may want to explore teacher salaries by state further, as well as consider the Master of Education in Instruction program from Augusta University Online. Through this program, students can select the track that provides the education focus they want:

Elementary
General
Middle grades
Preschool through grade 12
Secondary
Special education

And, because it’s online, the program provides the flexibility that working teachers need to earn their degree while managing their other responsibilities. Discover how the AU Online Master of Education in Instruction program can help you pursue your professional goals.

Recommended Reading
What Can You Do With a Master of Education?

Want to hear more about Augusta University Online’s programs?

Fill out the form below, and an admissions representative will reach out to you via email or phone with more information. After you’ve completed the form, you’ll automatically be redirected to learn more about Augusta University Online and your chosen program.

Information for:

Resources