Florida’s average teacher pay remains near the bottom nationally, and new data is reigniting concerns that low salaries are driving educators out of the classroom.
Florida ranks 50th in the nation for average teacher pay for the third straight year, or second to last when Washington, D.C., is included. Florida’s average teacher salary is $56,663, according to the National Education Association.
The report shows a sharp contrast between what teachers earn when they start and what they make over time. Florida ranks 19th in starting teacher pay but falls to 50th overall, a gap that educators say suggests teachers may begin their careers in Florida but not stay long term.
Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, said the problem starts with funding.
“First we have to start with the reality that Florida continues to under-invest in its public schools,” Spar said.
The Florida Education Association says that underinvestment is contributing to staffing shortages. In Leon County Schools alone, there were 21 advertised instructional vacancies in January, months into the school year.
In Northwest Florida, a search of local district postings show no current instructional openings in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties, but Okaloosa County lists 22 teaching vacancies.
Spar said one of the biggest warning signs is experienced teachers leaving before retirement.
“When we see teachers with 15, 20, 25 years of teaching leaving the profession before they retire, that’s not normal and that’s not something we should stand by and allow,” he said.
Pay differences can be especially noticeable near state lines. Georgia ranks 21st in average teacher pay, with salaries topping $71,000 — nearly $15,000 higher than Florida. Spar said some educators are crossing borders for better opportunities.
The union is calling on lawmakers to increase long-term investment in public education.
“We’ve been saying that we want the legislature to invest $1,000 a year for the next seven years more per student. Florida can do it, it’s a matter of budget priorities right?” Spar said.
Spar also said it has become increasingly common for teachers and school staff in Florida to work one or even two additional jobs to make ends meet.
Florida has held its low national ranking for three straight years, and educators say that unless pay becomes a bigger priority, the state could continue losing teachers faster than it can replace them.