North Carolina Teacher Pay Remains Near the Bottom at 43rd in Latest National Ranking

April 28, 2026 - 01:49

A newly released report from the National Education Association places North Carolina 43rd in the nation for average teacher pay and 38th for starting teacher salaries, marking little to no improvement from the previous year. The findings underscore persistent challenges in attracting and retaining educators in the state, which continues to trail most of the country in compensation.

According to the report, North Carolina’s average teacher salary stands at approximately $54,000, significantly below the national average of roughly $68,000. The state’s starting pay, while slightly better in ranking, still lags behind many peers. Education advocates note that these figures place North Carolina near the bottom among states, a position it has held for several consecutive years despite legislative efforts to raise wages.

The report highlights that neighboring states such as Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee all offer higher average teacher pay, which can draw North Carolina educators across state lines. Low pay is often cited as a primary factor in teacher shortages, particularly in rural and high-poverty districts where vacancies are hardest to fill. Teacher unions and advocacy groups have called for substantial increases in state funding for education, arguing that current salaries fail to keep pace with inflation or the cost of living in many parts of the state.

State lawmakers have pointed to recent pay raises, including a multi-year plan to boost teacher salaries, but critics say these increments have been too small to meaningfully improve North Carolina’s national standing. The report’s release is expected to reignite debate in the legislature over education funding priorities ahead of the next budget cycle. Without more aggressive action, experts warn, the state risks losing even more experienced teachers to higher-paying districts or other professions.