Teacher Pay Gap Hits Record High in 2024, New Report Finds

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Public school teachers are earning less than ever compared to their college-educated peers, according to a new analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).

The report shows that in 2024, teachers made nearly 27% less per week than workers in comparable nonteaching jobs — the largest wage gap recorded in nearly three decades of tracking. Even after factoring in benefits like health care and pensions, teachers still face a 17% total compensation penalty.

Researchers note the gap varies widely by state. Colorado teachers face the steepest shortfall at 38.5%, while Rhode Island teachers see the smallest at 10%. Texas falls in the middle with a 23% gap.

The findings highlight long-term trends: in 1996, teachers earned almost equal pay with other college graduates, but since then wages have stagnated while other professions have pulled ahead. The penalty also differs by gender, with women facing a 21.5% gap and men a striking 36.4%.

EPI warns that without major investment, the growing disparity will continue to drive teachers out of the profession, deepening staff shortages and harming public education. The institute calls for increased state and federal funding for teacher pay, along with stronger collective bargaining rights to help educators secure fair compensation.

You can find the full report here.