The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers is negotiating for higher wages with Minneapolis Public Schools.

Minneapolis teachers union approves strike as mediation with MPS continues

Earlier this week, the union president told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS teachers could make thousands of dollars more across the river.

A report from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board shows the average teacher salary in Minneapolis is $82,859 per year, while it’s $93,366 per year for St. Paul Public Schools teachers.

St. Paul is among the highest 10 paying districts in the state, which also includes Wayzata Public Schools, Stillwater Area Public Schools and Sleepy Eye Public Schools, according to the report. It shows salaries across the state vary widely. Some are in the $40,000 range, while others are six figures.

“Teachers deserve a fair salary,” said Chelda Smith Kondo, a University of St. Thomas associate professor of education. “When you have areas, such as suburban areas, where you have a lot of home ownership, you have a larger tax base. That tax base is going to provide a lot more funds to the school district there, so that will allow the school district to pay more to their teachers.”

Kondo told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that teacher salaries can play a role in graduation rates and test scores.

“The way it does is in retention,” she said. “The more that an educator feels they are fairly compensated for the work that they do, and with teachers, the impact they have, the more likely they are to stay in the profession, which directly benefits students.”

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS analyzed data from the Minnesota Report Card. It showed SPPS had a 76.5% graduation rate last year. At least half of the other 10 highest-paid districts were above 90%. Lower-earning districts, however, also reported high graduation rates.

Kondo said there are many variables that affect graduation rates, from attendance to whether a child’s basic needs are met. Overall, rates are improving statewide across all demographics.

“Last year in 2024, we had record graduation rates at 84%,” said Kondo. “Of course, that 84% doesn’t represent everyone; some are higher, others are a little bit lower. Overall, it shows our high schoolers are graduating.”