Top 5 states for K-12 teachers?

From a 2023 survey (the newest available) the best states for teachers at Scholaroo

At #1 – Washington State

Average teacher salary: $81,586

Teacher/Student ratio: 8.15

Average teacher pension: $28,204

Job Availability: 4

Washington State stands out in the categories of Salary and Compensation and Work Benefits in the Best States for Teachers 2023. In the first category mentioned, it has the highest salary increase for teachers in the last 10 years. In addition, more than half of its teachers qualify for a pension.

At #2:  – California

Average teacher salary: $87,275

Teacher/Student ratio: 7.48

Average teacher pension: $49,267

Job Availability: 3.60

Sunny California has one of the highest per-pupil spending growth rates in the last 10 years. It also has a low student/teacher ratio, which is important for the education of young people. Another advantage is that teachers only need two years of teaching to achieve tenure.

At #3 – New York

Average teacher salary: $92,222

Teacher/Student ratio: 10.73

Average teacher pension: $43,432

Job Availability: 5.25

The Big Apple is the state with the highest average teacher salary, in addition to being one of the states with the lowest teacher turnover, only 4.5%. At $25,519.00, it is one of the states with the highest per-pupil spending. It is one of the states with the smallest difference in teacher salaries with other careers.

At #4 – Massachusetts

Average teacher salary: $88,903

Teacher/Student ratio: 10.76

Average teacher pension: $43,642

Job Availability: 5.06

Massachusetts ranks in the top 3 in the Salary & Compensations category due to its competitive salaries for both regular and teachers’ starting salaries. The good performance of teachers places the state in second place in the Student Performance category.

And at #5 – Utah

Average teacher salary: $58,619

Teacher/Student ratio: 9.02

Average teacher pension: $17,894

Job Availability: 4.32

Teachers in Utah have a New Teacher Mentoring Program, a Bonus for National Board Certification, and a Public School Enrollment Growth of 12.79%. In addition, it is ranked number two with the highest growth in a 10-year change in salaries, 5.06.

The full list and an interactive map can be found at the Scholaroo website