New Study Ranks Best States for Teachers; California Places Ninth
A WalletHub report evaluating teacher-friendliness places Washington state at the top, with New York second, while California lands surprisingly high.
California has been ranked ninth in a study of the best states for teachers, a surprising placement given the state's high cost of living and affordability challenges. The analysis, conducted by WalletHub, compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 metrics related to the teaching profession.
Washington state secured the top spot, boasting the second-highest average annual teacher salary adjusted for cost of living at $83,938. The state also ranks fourth in average starting teacher salary at $52,713. New York followed in second place, offering the highest average annual salary at $87,670 and the most public school funding per student at $33,752.
California performed particularly well in the "opportunity and competition" category, ranking second overall in that metric. Other states that made the top ten include Virginia, Illinois, Utah, and New Jersey.
Conversely, Hawaii was ranked near the bottom, just ahead of New Hampshire, which was identified as the worst state for teachers. Western neighbors to California, Oregon and Nevada, fared less favorably, ranking 31st and 40th, respectively.
WalletHub's study evaluated states based on factors such as teacher-friendliness, including income growth potential, pupil-teacher ratios, and public school spending per student. Data for the report was compiled from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, and the National Education Association.
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, states that excel in rewarding teachers are those that offer competitive compensation, substantial investment in educational resources, supportive legislation for school systems, and conditions conducive to low teacher turnover.