Find a Job You Really Want In
The 10 Best States for Teachers in 2026
As one of the most vital professions in the United States, teaching continues to play a crucial role in shaping future generations. In every state across the nation, educators are making a difference, not just in major urban centers but also in rural communities. As we head into 2026, it’s important to identify which states offer the best opportunities for teachers, including competitive salaries, job availability, and career growth.
To evaluate the best states for teachers, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to understand where educators can thrive in their careers. After a thorough analysis, we compiled a list of the top states in America for teachers.
This list highlights that Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, have the most favorable conditions in these states. But what factors contributed to this ranking? Continue reading to discover how we determined the best states for teachers in 2026.
For those interested in further insights, explore our resources on the job market:
- The 10 Best Cities for Teachers
- Teachers Are Paid Less to Commute
- The 15 Best Teacher Conferences in America
How We Determined the Best States for Teachers
At Zippia, we engage with diverse individuals seeking employment. Our research indicates that two primary factors drive job satisfaction:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for teachers, we assessed job availability and salary levels, utilizing the following criteria based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location Quotient: A measure of job concentration in a state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison, we adjusted salary data according to each state’s cost of living, recognizing that a higher salary in one state may not reflect the same purchasing power in another. For instance, while teachers in California may earn an average salary of $80,510, the average salary in Illinois is $72,370, yet the Illinois salary often stretches further due to lower living costs.
We ranked each state based on the above criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 indicating the best position. By averaging these rankings, we created a Job Score, where states with the lowest scores emerged as the best for teachers.
1. Ohio
Total Jobs: 52,240
Average Annual Salary: $61,930
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,570
Average Experienced Salary: $84,340
Location Quotient: 1.33
2. Texas
Total Jobs: 110,420
Average Annual Salary: $58,190
Average Entry Level Salary: $42,670
Average Experienced Salary: $76,970
Location Quotient: 1.25
3. Illinois
Total Jobs: 43,720
Average Annual Salary: $72,370
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,330
Average Experienced Salary: $115,490
Location Quotient: 1.0
4. Pennsylvania
Total Jobs: 50,460
Average Annual Salary: $64,830
Average Entry Level Salary: $41,340
Average Experienced Salary: $94,730
Location Quotient: 1.19
5. Virginia
Total Jobs: 26,830
Average Annual Salary: $68,770
Average Entry Level Salary: $42,550
Average Experienced Salary: $104,270
Location Quotient: 0.96
6. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 7,880
Average Annual Salary: $57,500
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,320
Average Experienced Salary: $77,980
Location Quotient: 1.11
7. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 1,850
Average Annual Salary: $60,620
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,130
Average Experienced Salary: $78,010
Location Quotient: 0.94
8. Michigan
Total Jobs: 24,130
Average Annual Salary: $62,950
Average Entry Level Salary: $38,660
Average Experienced Salary: $92,000
Location Quotient: 0.77
9. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 20,940
Average Annual Salary: $64,610
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,440
Average Experienced Salary: $95,820
Location Quotient: 1.01
10. Missouri
Total Jobs: 27,930
Average Annual Salary: $54,280
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,190
Average Experienced Salary: $85,350
Location Quotient: 1.37
Conclusion: The Best States for Teachers
For those embarking on a teaching career, these states should be at the forefront of your considerations. With promising job prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth, teachers can find a fulfilling career path in these regions.
Conversely, if you’re interested in states that may not offer the best conditions for teachers, consider the following:
For further reading, explore these resources:
- The 10 Most Exciting Jobs of Former Teachers
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Cincinnati
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Cleveland
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Columbus
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Ohio
- The 30 Best Things About Being a Teacher
- The 10 Places in Tennessee Teachers Can’t Afford to Live
- The 10 Cities with the Highest Demand for Teachers
- The 100 Largest Companies in Ohio
- The 10 Cities with the Highest Teacher Salaries
Detailed List of the Best States for Teachers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | $61,930 |
| 2 | Texas | $58,190 |
| 3 | Illinois | $72,370 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $64,830 |
| 5 | Virginia | $68,770 |
| 6 | Nebraska | $57,500 |
| 7 | Wyoming | $60,620 |
| 8 | Michigan | $62,950 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $64,610 |
| 10 | Missouri | $54,280 |
| 11 | Iowa | $56,510 |
| 12 | New York | $85,300 |
| 13 | New Jersey | $76,390 |
| 14 | Delaware | $65,040 |
| 15 | Arkansas | $51,780 |
| 16 | Connecticut | $76,980 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $56,200 |
| 18 | Washington | $67,550 |
| 19 | Utah | $59,070 |
| 20 | Georgia | $58,050 |
| 21 | Alaska | $77,920 |
| 22 | Tennessee | $53,620 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | $58,360 |
| 24 | New Mexico | $55,380 |
| 25 | Massachusetts | $80,020 |
| 26 | Kansas | $51,490 |
| 27 | Rhode Island | $71,440 |
| 28 | Alabama | $51,180 |
| 29 | Oregon | $72,640 |
| 30 | Indiana | $53,030 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $51,810 |
| 32 | Mississippi | $47,190 |
| 33 | California | $80,510 |
| 34 | Idaho | $51,170 |
| 35 | Maryland | $72,610 |
| 36 | North Dakota | $55,400 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $54,400 |
| 38 | New Hampshire | $61,510 |
| 39 | Nevada | $57,910 |
| 40 | Florida | $54,120 |
| 41 | Maine | $54,240 |
| 42 | Montana | $50,670 |
| 43 | Vermont | $65,850 |
| 44 | Colorado | $55,110 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | $42,540 |
| 46 | South Dakota | $42,960 |
| 47 | North Carolina | $47,580 |
| 48 | West Virginia | $47,050 |
| 49 | Arizona | $48,610 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $60,810 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
