NC Teacher Pay Drops, Lawmakers Consider Raises

North Carolina has dropped to 43rd in the nation for average teacher pay, with an average salary of $58,292—nearly $14,000 below the national average—according to the National Education Association's latest report. The state now ranks 39th in starting teacher pay at $42,542, a figure just under North Carolina's minimum living wage and still below the national average. Although starting salaries have risen slightly, overall teacher pay growth continues to lag behind national trends, with a 3% increase compared to the national average of 3.8%. The significant pay gap between teachers and other similarly educated professionals, coupled with stagnant wages, has fueled high teacher turnover and migration to neighboring states offering better compensation. In response, local school boards and state legislators are considering or have implemented salary increases and supplements, and proposed bills seek to improve pay and teacher retention. However, advocates warn that these measures may not sufficiently address the ongoing staffing crisis and its impact on student outcomes.