Here's How Much Teachers In PA Make, New Data Shows

PENNSYLVANIA — Even with recent pay increases, teacher salaries in Pennsylvania and elsewhere around the country haven’t kept pace with inflation over the past decade, according to a new report from the National Education Association.

When adjusted for inflation, the nation’s K-12 public school teachers made 5 percent less than they did 10 years ago, according to the report. The report is based on 2022-23 school year data and projected 2023–24 data.

Pennsylvania’s average starting teacher salary of $49,083 in 2022-23 ranked No. 12 in the country, while the average teacher salary of $74,945 ranked No. 11, the report showed.

The average minimum living wage is $57,664 in Pennsylvania, for a pay gap of 84 cents in 2022-23.

Educational support personnel in Pennsylvania earned an average of $35,500 during the same period, ranking No. 14.

Per-pupil spending in Pennsylvania for the 2022-23 school year was $20,264, which ranked No. 12 in the nation.

Noting that low pay limits the ability of schools to attract and retain high quality teachers, the NEA warned a widespread educator shortage is looming amid sagging morale across the profession.

Nationwide, the recent teacher pay hikes represent the largest year-over-year increase in more than a decade. But educators overall are inadequately paid and greater investments in public education are needed to maintain the momentum, the national teacher’s union said.

Overall, the report showed: