how much does a teacher make a year

A teacher in the United States makes on average about $74,177 per year for the 2024-25 school year, according to the National Education Association. This reflects a 3% increase from the previous year but still represents a slight decrease when adjusted for inflation compared to a decade ago. Starting teacher salaries nationally average around $46,526 per year. Salaries vary significantly by state, with states like California and New York offering average salaries above $95,000, while other states like Mississippi have averages closer to $47,200-$55,000 per year. Entry-level salaries start near $34,905 and experienced teachers can earn up to about $79,664 annually with some regional and school district variation.