Florida's Teacher Pay Ranks Last Among All States, New Data Shows

Tallahassee, Fla. — According to recently published data from the National Education Association (NEA), the Florida Education Association reports that Florida has the lowest average teacher salary when compared to all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Based on the FEA report, the latest data indicates that although the average teacher salary in Florida increased to $54,875 for the 2023-24 academic year — marking a rise of 3.3% compared to the previous year — this growth still falls short of keeping up with inflation rates.

According to the FEA in a statement, when factoring in inflation, the average teacher salary in Florida decreased by 12.9%, going from 2014-15 to 2023-24.

FEA President Andrew Spar issued the following statement regarding the latest information:

Lawmakers in Florida claim they aim to set standards in public education, yet leading from last place doesn't make sense. The fact that Florida has ranked 50th for two consecutive years clearly shows that current policies are ineffective. We face severe shortages of teachers and staff members, falling SAT scores, and decreasing performance in reading and mathematics according to NAEP assessments—all indicators suggesting that poor educational strategies are harming our students. This situation reflects the consequences of misguided policies; unless this trend changes, such shortcomings may define the trajectory of public schooling within our state. Educators do not seek lavish rewards; rather, they desire stability—a living wage sufficient enough so they can reside among those whom they educate and nurture upcoming generations. Their primary wish is to focus solely on teaching instead of struggling financially, ensuring each pupil receives adequate support and individualized attention. Healthy school systems form the backbone of thriving neighborhoods. Should legislators genuinely aspire to take charge of improving education, then financial commitments must align with these goals, particularly towards local public institutions serving approximately eighty percent of Florida’s youth daily as learners and individuals growing together.

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