Best States for Teachers: Pack Your Pens — These Make the Grade

Teachers are some of the most important leaders in the lives of young people; however, external pressures can make their jobs more difficult than necessary. Educators across the U.S. are feeling burnt out, and as many as 78 percent of teachers have considered changing professions since 2020. Where you live and work can make a major difference in your experience as a teacher, but what are the best states for teachers? Our guide is here to help you answer exactly that.

Of course, choosing where to plant your roots takes more than a quick glance at a map. You’ll want to look closely at factors like the average teacher salary, teacher pay by state, and even the best states for teacher pay vs. cost of living to see where your paycheck will actually stretch. Keep all these factors in mind as we explore the top states to teach in.

How We Chose the Best States for Teachers

In order to arrive at our list of the top 10 best states to teach in for 2026, we’ve considered a few important variables: The average teacher salary, per-student spending, the state’s minimum living wage, job protection measures, as well as other perks, like student-teacher ratios and retirement benefits.

Some national averages to also keep in mind:

• Average teacher salary: $72,000
• Average per student spending: $17,000

Best States for Teachers in 2026

Keeping all those criteria in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best states for teachers in 2026. Here are our top 10 contenders for the most teacher-friendly states in the U.S.

1. Washington

• Minimum living wage: $67,300
• Average teacher salary: $91,700
• Per student spending: $20,000
• Teacher perks: Well-funded pensions, portable retirement options, high teacher salaries

The state of Washington has a high average teacher salary, and when compared to the minimum living wage, it’s easy to see how teaching here could be the right move. The pensions for teachers in Washington are well-funded — employer contributions are 15.51 percent. Because demand for teachers is high in Washington, you can choose which part of the state appeals to you the most for teaching. Learn all about the pros and cons of living in Seattle, and then check out the city’s great school districts, like Bellevue, Mercer Island, or Northshore in Bothell.

Teachers can also choose to go to another area of the state, like Spokane, Olympia, or Tacoma. There are plenty of rural school districts in Washington state that offer good-paying jobs, as well as access to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

The Big Apple isn’t the only place for a strong teacher salary — Rochester and surrounding cities pair affordability with a high quality of life.
(Source: Rochester City School District via Facebook)

2. New York

• Minimum living wage: $71,500
• Average teacher salary: $95,600
• Per student spending: $31,500
• Teacher perks: High average salary, large public pension fund, high student spending

New York has one of the top teacher pay by state, which is why it’s ranked so well on our best states for teachers list. Although the average starting teacher salary is similar to other states at $50,100, ground is quickly made up the longer teachers stay at their jobs in New York. Take advantage of the decent employer contributions to pensions at a rate of 10.62 percent, as well as the high potential for accelerated growth.

While it’s true that there are a lot of jobs in New York City, you don’t have to move to the Big Apple to teach in New York. NYC has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S. (72.5 percent above the national index), but you can easily stretch your teacher salary further by choosing another area like Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, or Syracuse. These cities have a much lower cost of living, but still offer residents a high quality of life. Whether you’d prefer to teach in a smaller school district by Lake Ontario or want to be near the bustle of the big city, New York has a lot to offer teachers.

3. Massachusetts

• Minimum living wage: $79,100
• Average teacher salary: $92,100
• Per student spending: $26,100
• Teacher perks: Robust union, great state for teacher pay, high demand for teachers, student-/teacher ratio

Massachusetts is another state known for its high teacher pay. The average starting teacher salary is the eighth-highest in the country, at $52,600, and it quickly escalates to the average of $92,100. The student-teacher ratio sits around 12:1, ensuring that each student gets the support they need. Despite the state’s small size, there are plenty of excellent school districts in Massachusetts — especially if you’re considering a move to Belmont, Worcester, Weston, or Cambridge.

Massachusetts residents experience all four seasons, and depending on where you choose to live, you will have access to beaches, cultural attractions of the cities, or stunning forests.

4. Maryland

• Minimum living wage: $64,200
• Average teacher salary: $84,300
• Per student spending: $19,300
• Teacher perks: Good salary growth, high demand, strong teacher union

Maryland is another fantastic state for teachers — especially if you’re looking to be close to Washington D.C. School districts like Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, MD, have excellent ratings and offer great annual salary growth potential as well as higher per student spending. But teachers don’t have to stay near Washington, D.C. to take advantage of the high teacher salaries in Maryland. Baltimore, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Hagerstown offer teachers a variety of lifestyle options. The western regions of Maryland are more rural and offer great opportunities for teachers to enjoy all four seasons at places like Deep Creek and Green Ridge State Forest. The bustling city of Baltimore has world-class entertainment attractions and professional sports teams.

Regardless of where you are in Maryland, as a teacher, you’ll have a strong teacher union and plenty of professional development opportunities.

Illinois stands out as one of the best states for teachers, offering solid salary prospects and career stability.
(Source: Peoria Public School District 150 via Facebook)

5. Illinois

• Minimum living wage: $66,400
• Average teacher salary: $76,000
• Per student spending: $21,700
• Teacher perks: Low student-teacher ratio, great teacher union

If you’re looking for a state to teach in that offers a low student-teacher ratio as well as higher spending per student, consider teaching in Illinois. This state also leans toward the higher end for teacher salaries, ensuring that as you grow in your career, you’ll be well compensated. After 10 years of service, teachers in Illinois are eligible for a pension, which employers contribute to at a rate of 30.86 percent.

The high demand in Illinois allows teachers to choose which area of the state appeals to them the most. If you’re interested in relocating to Chicago, you’re in luck. But keep in mind, the city's higher cost of living can outpace teacher salaries. With that, you’ll gain easy access to big city amenities, like cultural attractions, dining, and sports teams. To stretch your income further, consider teaching in cities like Springfield, Peoria, or Champaign. Living farther from the city center also gives you easy access to outdoor amenities, like the Shawnee National Forest.

6. Minnesota

• Minimum living wage: $64,700
• Average teacher salary: $72,400
• Per student spending: $16,600
• Teacher perks: Decent pension plan, lower cost of living, high salary

If you don’t mind the longer winters, working as a teacher in Minnesota could be the right move for you. Minnesota teachers make a higher-than-average salary, and when paired with a lower state cost of living (97.2 — almost three percent below the national average), you’ll find more money in your pocket. Minnesota is a large state, which makes it attractive to teachers who want to stay in a bigger city or those who want to explore smaller cities and towns. Minneapolis and St. Paul might have the most opportunities, but don’t rule out places like Duluth, St. Cloud, or Brainerd if you’d prefer smaller class sizes and access to the natural beauty of the state.

Minnesota has a strong teachers’ union, ensuring decent pensions, career development, and salary growth.

7. Georgia

• Minimum living wage: $60,200
• Average teacher salary: $67,700
• Per student spending: $14,500
• Teacher perks: High demand, lower cost of living

If you want to spend your teaching career in a warmer southern climate, Georgia is a prime destination for your next job search. The cities of Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah offer a variety of teaching options, and teachers are in high demand here. Two of the best districts in the state are located right outside of Atlanta — Buford City Schools and Oconee County Schools.

Georgia is one of the best states for teacher pay vs. cost of living, as the cost of living in the state is over 5 percent below the national index. There are also plenty of smaller towns and cities in Georgia that offer a more rural setting.

8. Virginia

• Minimum living wage: $61,300
• Average teacher salary: $66,300
• Per student spending: $16,800
• Teacher perks: Good pension plan, a solid teachers’ union, retirement benefits

If you’re looking to teach in a state that has a high demand for teachers across its counties, as well as several outstanding school districts, Virginia could be the state for you. Virginia has a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, so you’ll find something for everyone. Whether you want to teach near Washington D.C. or would prefer a coastal city like Yorktown, Virginia, has high potential for career advancement. The York County School Division in Yorktown and Falls Church City Public Schools are two of the top-ranked school districts in the state, and offer teachers exceptional opportunities.

Virginia has a low student-teacher ratio of 13.6, ensuring that teachers aren’t overwhelmed and can provide instruction appropriately. The state also offers a good pension plan, with employers contributing 13.36 percent of each teacher’s salary.

New Mexico — home to White Sands National Park — is one of the best states to teach in, offering strong teacher salary increases and access to stunning desert landscapes.

9. New Mexico

• Minimum living wage: $67,400
• Average teacher salary: $68,400
• Per student spending: $15,200
• Teacher perks: High annual salary growth, good pension and retirement plans

One of the best states to teach in when it comes to teacher salary increases is New Mexico. Teachers in this state often see their salaries bump up quickly after their average teacher starting salary of $53,400. This state also has a high employer contribution rate for pensions, sitting at 20.78 percent. Albuquerque and Santa Fe are among the largest cities in the state, with excellent school districts like Los Alamos Public Schools. There are also plenty of rural teaching opportunities.

New Mexico offers potential teachers the chance to live close to the beauty of the desert, which is especially appealing to those who have an active lifestyle. White Sands National Park is a popular location for hiking or admiring the beautiful dunes, but there are also state and local parks throughout the state. Thanks to its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle, New Mexico consistently ranks as one of the states where teachers are happiest.

10. Utah

• Minimum living wage: $68,300
• Average teacher salary: $69,200
• Per student spending: $11,300
• Teacher perks: High demand for teachers, professional development opportunities

In addition to Utah’s high demand for teachers, educators can expect solid salary growth beyond the average starting teacher salary of $55,700. School districts in Utah offer unique support for teachers as well, including classroom supplies funded through the tax base rather than out-of-pocket teacher expenses. This approach helps teachers keep more of their income while reducing the financial burden often associated with stocking classrooms. Utah is also home to highly-ranked school districts, including the Park City School District and Cache County School District, which offer competitive pay and access to all the outdoor activities Utah is known for.

Whether you’re interested in skiing, hiking, biking, or simply putting down roots, working as a teacher in Utah could be right for you.

Best States for Teachers — FAQs

Q: What states pay teachers the best?
A: States like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington pay teachers the best.

Q: What states are teachers happiest in?
A: Overall, teachers are ranked happiest in North Dakota, according to this list from Pro Care Therapy. Of the states on our list, though, teachers are happiest in New Mexico and Illinois.

Q: Which states have the highest demand for teachers?
A: Of the cities on our list, Maryland, Utah, and Illinois have some of the highest demand for teachers.

Q: What is the best state to live in for teachers?
A: Of the states on our list, the best states to teach in are Washington, New York, and Massachusetts.

Moving with PODS offers flexibility, no matter which teacher-friendly state you choose.

Let PODS Help You Move to One of the Best States for Teachers

Once you’ve chosen one of the best states to teach in, you can make your long-distance move flexible with PODS. Have a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway (or apartment building), for convenient loading on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can also refer you to local packing and moving assistance. When it’s time to move, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home, or to a secure PODS Storage Center if you need more time before unloading. One month of storage built into the cost of each move, so you can take your time without feeling rushed.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Living wages, teacher salaries, and per-student spending rates were obtained from the National Education Association. For ease of reading, these rates were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}