Florida ranks in Top 10 states for teachers, study says
By Alexa Herrera
Florida was ranked No. 8 in the country for best states for teachers, which may come as a surprise considering reports of low pay.
In a recent study from WalletHub, researchers compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across the dimensions of opportunity and competition and academic and work environment. These two dimensions were evaluated through 24 metrics that included average salary, income growth potential, the existence of a digital learning plan and many others.
The top three states that are best for educators are New York, Washington and Virginia. New York was ranked No. 1 with a score of 60.73 out of 100 due to the highest average annual salary after adjusting for the cost of living. They also have the strongest tenure protections in the United States. Researchers also noted high funding and low turnover rates.
Florida scored 54.42 and was ranked No. 12 for the opportunity and competition rank and the academic and work environment rank.
Early this year, a report from the National Education Association ranked Florida second to last in the country for the average salary for teachers. It showed Florida’s average public school teacher pay at $53,098, with a minimum living wage of $58,970.
“Once again, despite a thriving economy, Florida is failing to prioritize the needs of students by not fairly compensating teachers and staff," Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association said. “We need Florida's lawmakers to step up and take bold action and fully fund public education to ensure our students can learn and grow. Florida’s students and educators need better.”
In Hillsborough County, the school board approved sending a referendum to voters in November that would increase property taxes to increase teacher pay.
It would be an extra dollar for every thousand dollars a home is worth, so if your home is valued at $400,000, that's $400 more a year. Two years ago, a similar effort failed by around 500 votes.
Last year, the district and union agreed on a pay raise which was approved by the school board to give teachers with experience a salary increase.
The average salary in Hillsborough is $54,125, Pinellas is $55,340, Manatee is $52,418, Pasco is $48,057, Polk County is $49,328, Citrus County is $51,629, Sarasota is $66,665 and Hernando is $52,543, according to data from the Florida Department of Education.
The national average public school teacher salary for 2022-23 is $69,544 with the Sunshine State being more than $10,000 less. The national average starting salary is $44,530 with Florida being higher at $47,178.