Illinois Teacher Salary
Average and starting teacher pay in Illinois for 2024-25, ranked among all states.
Illinois teacher salary at a glance
In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Illinois earned $78,495, according to NEA. That ranks 13th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $4,000 above the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $75,978, so pay changed by 3.3%.
New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Illinois at $46,655, which ranks 31st of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.
| Illinois | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Average salary 2024-25 | $78,495 | $74,495 |
| Average salary 2023-24 | $75,978 | $71,985 |
| Starting salary 2024-25 | $46,655 | $48,112 |
| Average salary rank | 13 of 51 | |
| Starting salary rank | 31 of 51 |
States close to Illinois in the ranking
Alaska (11th, $81,450), Pennsylvania (12th, $79,078), Delaware (14th, $76,570), Minnesota (15th, $76,234). See all states ranked or compare Illinois with another state.
Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average teacher salary in Illinois?
NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $78,495 in Illinois for 2024-25, which ranks 13th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).
What is the starting teacher salary in Illinois?
NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $46,655 in Illinois for 2024-25, ranking 31st of 51.
How does Illinois compare with the national average?
The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Illinois is $4,000 above it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Illinois is $1,457 below.
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