Florida Struggles with Lowest Teacher Pay Nationwide

Recent data from the National Education Association reveals that Florida ranks last in the nation for average public school teacher pay for the second consecutive year, with average salaries at $54,875, which is significantly below the national average and the state's calculated minimum living wage. Despite a modest 3.3% salary increase over the previous year, inflation-adjusted figures show Florida teachers have actually lost ground financially over the past decade, with pay falling 12.9%. Education leaders and teachers cite chronic underinvestment and state policies as key factors driving both ongoing teacher and staff shortages and declining student outcomes. Many Florida educators are forced to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet, and the teacher shortage means more students are being taught by substitutes rather than certified professionals. The Florida Education Association warns that unless conditions improve, these trends will continue to undermine public education in the state.