The big news: According to the National Education Association’s annual Educator Pay Report, the state spends $11,578 per student — up from $9,942 last year, but still dead last. Idaho ranks 51st in the nation.
• Average teacher salary is $62,786, ranked 36th nationally (down from 34th)
• Starting teacher salary is $46,253, ranked 33rd nationally (down from 24th)
• Education support professionals earn an average of $29,618, ranked 48th nationally (down from 47th)
• For every dollar a similarly educated professional earns, Idaho teachers earn 73 cents.
Why it matters: Low pay limits Idaho’s ability to attract and retain quality educators, especially in North Idaho, where the income gap between Washington and the Gem State is huge.
• Washington pays educators an average of $96,589, or 3rd nationally, and spends $20,948 per student.
National snapshot: Nationwide, teacher salaries rose to $74,495 in 2024-2025. Adjust for inflation, though, and teachers earn about 5% less today than they did 10 years ago.
• Last year’s higher rankings in Idaho reflected $330 million in investments made in educator and ESP pay during the 2023 legislative session. Now, inflation is beginning to catch up.
The union difference: Teachers earn 24% more on average in states with collective bargaining rights. Idaho teachers still retain their right to collectively bargain, but House Bill 516 — the anti-IEA bill signed into law by Gov. Brad Little last month — places strict limits around their ability to organize in their workplaces.
Will Idaho hold steady?: Probably not. The state faced a budget shortfall and will continue to endure a shrinking budget well into 2027. Although K-12 educator salaries were left out of funding cuts during this legislative session, the rising cost of living will render any gains temporary unless lawmakers step in.
• “These numbers are exactly why it’s so critical that every IEA member vote in the May 19 primary,” said IEA Executive Director Paul Stark. “There is a real risk of backsliding in the nationwide rankings once again. As active, informed voters, members have a real chance to make a difference in the way the Idaho Legislature financially supports public education in this state.”
