Overview
- A new National Education Association report lists Florida 50th for average teacher salary at $56,663, which is nearly $18,000 below the national average.
- Florida ranks 19th for starting pay at $49,435, showing higher entry wages but much lower earnings once teachers gain experience.
- The Florida Education Association says average teacher pay has fallen about 12% over the past decade after inflation, and reports education support staff earn $34,645 on average.
- Governor Ron DeSantis proposed roughly $1.5–$1.56 billion for raises, yet lawmakers have not approved the state budget, leaving districts unable to plan salaries and staffing.
- Unions link low pay and funding choices to departures and vacancies, with teachers leaving for higher-paying states and some districts offering larger local raises to keep staff.