Missouri Teacher Salary

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

Missouri teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Missouri earned $57,366, according to NEA. That ranks 48th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $17,129 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $55,132, so pay changed by 4.1%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Missouri at $40,682, which ranks 49th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

MissouriUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$57,366$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$55,132$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$40,682$48,112
Average salary rank48 of 51
Starting salary rank49 of 51

States close to Missouri in the ranking

South Dakota (46th, $58,486), West Virginia (47th, $58,099), Louisiana (49th, $56,785), Florida (50th, $56,663). See all states ranked or compare Missouri 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 Missouri?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $57,366 in Missouri for 2024-25, which ranks 48th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in Missouri?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $40,682 in Missouri for 2024-25, ranking 49th of 51.

How does Missouri compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Missouri is $17,129 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Missouri is $7,430 below.

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