10 Best States to Teach In for Educators in 2025

Introduction

Choosing where to teach can make a big difference in your pay, job satisfaction, and future growth. In 2025, some states stand out for giving teachers better support, higher salaries, and strong school systems. These top states not only offer good compensation but also provide safer classrooms, better student outcomes, and career paths that help educators stay and thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of relocating, knowing which states offer the best teaching environments can help you make a smart and rewarding move.

Top States to In for Educators

New York: High Salaries and Strong Union Support

New York gives the top adjusted average teacher pay in the country, which is $95,615. The teachers in New York get strong union support. The state also has the eighth-best income growth in the nation. Because of this, there is a stable and good teaching career there. New York spends a lot on education. The state gives $31,839 each year for every student. This is the most in the whole country. New York is also strong when it comes to job safety for teachers. Because of this, New York has the lowest number of teachers leaving their jobs compared to other states. New York’s public schools usually do well, with students getting good results. This is because there is good support and enough money for schools. In New York, teachers have had job safety for a long time. They know their pay will be steady. The classrooms also have what they need, so teaching is easier for everyone.

Washington: Progressive Policies and Excellent Benefits

Washington has made a lot of progress with teacher pay. In the last ten years, teacher salaries in the state went up by 68%. If you look at what the pay means after the cost of living, the average teacher earns $91,720. This puts Washington in second place for teacher pay across the country. Teachers can get tenure in three years. There are yearly teacher checks that help keep good teaching levels. Washington is also out front when it comes to being ready for remote teaching with its digital learning plan. Washington is one of the best states for people who work and have families. In this state, you will find a good mix of work and time for life outside the job. There are forward-thinking rules here, and teachers feel safe in their jobs. This makes it one of the top places for working parents.

Virginia: Robust Professional Development and Job Security

Virginia puts a strong focus on professional growth and job security. The starting salary is $66,327. This amount is not too high or low, but the state is top-ranked when it comes to how much your income can go up in the future. Tenure is given to teachers after only three years. This helps them feel safe in their job early in their work life. The public school systems in Virginia are some of the best in the country. They give good support to people who teach and help them grow in their work for many years.

Pennsylvania: Competitive Wages and Rich Educational Heritage

Pennsylvania has an average teacher salary of $76,961, which is one of the highest in the country. Schools in this state rank fifth in the nation for how well students do in school and for the quality of the work environment. Low turnover rates show that there is good support from the school administration and that teachers feel stable in their jobs. With enough money and ways to grow in their careers, Pennsylvania gives teachers a good place to teach and learn new things.

New Jersey: Exceptional Teacher Benefits and Student Outcomes

New Jersey teachers earn an average of $82,877. They also get something from the state’s spending of $21,866 for each student. This is the second-highest amount in the United States. New Jersey is number three for school system quality in the country. Teachers in this state teach smaller groups, with a low teacher-to-student ratio of 12:1. This helps each student get more time and attention. The state also gives good healthcare, strong retirement plans, and lots of career help. Because of these things, New Jersey is one of the best places for teachers to feel happy and supported.

Utah: Rapid Growth and Supportive School Communities

Utah is now a popular place for teachers. This is because there are more students each year and teachers in schools work together. The average pay is $69,161. This is still good when you look at other places, but there are a lot of students in each class with one teacher. The pupil-to-teacher ratio is high at 22:1. Educator demand keeps going up, giving strong job security. Even with the bigger class sizes, Utah is still a good place for teachers. This is because the state is affordable and has close-knit educational communities. These things make it a great spot if you want a long-term job as a teacher.

Maryland: High Investment in Education and Career Advancement

Maryland always gives a big part of its budget to public education. Because of this, teachers here earn some of the highest average salaries in the U.S. This use of money helps build a strong system for professional development and growth. Teachers get help from mentorship programs, support from the administration, and feel part of a strong community. This help can keep their passion for teaching alive and can also make them stay longer in their jobs.

Delaware: Small Class Sizes and Collaborative Environments

Delaware has small class sizes. This gives more one-on-one time between teachers and students. It helps each student do well. The way classes are run also lets teachers and those in charge work together better. This makes a good place to teach and learn. Delaware puts a lot of focus on helping teachers grow in their jobs. The state also has a helpful work culture. This makes people feel good about their jobs. Because of this, Delaware is a good choice for new and experienced teachers who want to work there.

Illinois: Diverse Opportunities and Comprehensive Benefits

Illinois gives people many different ways to teach and has a helpful place to work. Teachers get salaries that are in line with the national average. They also get a full set of benefits, like retirement plans and healthcare. Illinois has more students joining schools and more programs backed by the state to help with career growth. This helps make a steady and better place for teachers to work in.

Connecticut: Strong Academic Standards and Safe Schools

Connecticut puts school safety and good learning first. The public schools here get a lot of money, so there are good ways to teach. This helps students do well in their studies. Teacher pay in the Northeastern area is in line with others. There are clear safety rules in place. When you add the strong learning standards with the focus on being safe at work, Connecticut becomes a good choice for people who want to build their teaching job.

Factors for Ranking the Best States for Teachers

Competitive Salary and Compensation Packages

States like Maryland and Connecticut are top when it comes to giving above-average salaries and full benefits. These pay and benefit packages often have healthcare, pensions, and chances for more learning. All these things matter for long-term job satisfaction and help people stay at their jobs for a long time.

Cost of Living and Teacher Affordability

We need to compare teacher salaries to the cost of living to see what people can really afford. Teachers can have a better life in states like Delaware and Utah, where it’s not too hard to pay for housing and other needs, even if the pay is average.

Professional Growth and Advancement Opportunities

Professional development is important to keep teachers interested in their jobs. States like Maryland and Massachusetts are known for giving regular training, help from experienced teachers, and paths for teachers to become leaders. These things help teachers move up in their education careers.

Work-Life Balance and Teacher Well-Being

Burnout is going up more these days. States that care about work-life balance often have teachers who feel happier at their jobs. When there are good policies, not too much work, and help for mental health, it helps keep teachers in their jobs and makes them do better in the classroom.

Final Thoughts

Picking the best state to teach in means you need to think about a few things like pay, cost of living, support from others at work, and your day-to-day life. The right state can have good pay, nice benefits, and schools that work well. The top 10 states for teachers give you a place where you can feel good about your job and your life outside work. When you have the right setting, teaching is more than just a job. It turns into a career that gives you purpose and can last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important things to think about when you choose a state to teach in?

You should look at pay, how much it costs to live there, chances to grow in your job, and time for your life and work. These things shape how you feel about your job and how well you do over time. Some states offer high pay but also have a high cost of living. Others may offer a better balance overall. Thinking about all these points can help you make a better choice.

Do all states pay teachers the same?

Teacher pay is very different from state to state. In places like new york and washington, teachers get paid more on average. Some other states, like utah, pay a bit less, but the cost of living there is not as high. This helps balance things out for people who live in those states. Always compare adjusted pay when making your choice.

Are there extra certification steps in these states?

Yes. Most states have their own requirements. These can be things like exams, added approvals, or ongoing classes. You should look at the state’s education department to get the details. It’s smart to check before you move so you can plan for the paperwork or exams you might need.

Which states offer the best retirement and healthcare benefits for teachers?

New york, california, and texas are known to give the best retirement plans and good healthcare to teachers. These states have great pension systems and also cover a wide range of medical needs for their educators. This means people in these states can feel better about their future and health needs when they work in schools. Look at each state’s full benefits before making your decision.

Written by Aiko Gin Updated September 6, 2025 by Albert Fang