Kentucky Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in Kentucky for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

Kentucky teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Kentucky earned $60,594, according to NEA. That ranks 42nd among the 50 states and D.C. and is $13,901 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $58,325, so pay changed by 3.9%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Kentucky at $41,901, which ranks 47th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

KentuckyUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$60,594$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$58,325$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$41,901$48,112
Average salary rank42 of 51
Starting salary rank47 of 51

States close to Kentucky in the ranking

Tennessee (40th, $61,222), North Dakota (41st, $60,704), North Carolina (43rd, $60,323), Montana (44th, $59,305). See all states ranked or compare Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $60,594 in Kentucky for 2024-25, which ranks 42nd of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in Kentucky?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $41,901 in Kentucky for 2024-25, ranking 47th of 51.

How does Kentucky compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Kentucky is $13,901 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Kentucky is $6,211 below.

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