New Mexico Teacher Salary

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

New Mexico teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in New Mexico earned $69,736, according to NEA. That ranks 24th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $4,759 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $68,440, so pay changed by 1.9%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in New Mexico at $54,372, which ranks 7th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

New MexicoUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$69,736$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$68,440$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$54,372$48,112
Average salary rank24 of 51
Starting salary rank7 of 51

States close to New Mexico in the ranking

Michigan (22nd, $71,023), Ohio (23rd, $70,586), New Hampshire (25th, $69,432), Virginia (26th, $69,254). See all states ranked or compare New Mexico 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 New Mexico?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $69,736 in New Mexico for 2024-25, which ranks 24th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in New Mexico?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $54,372 in New Mexico for 2024-25, ranking 7th of 51.

How does New Mexico compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. New Mexico is $4,759 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and New Mexico is $6,260 above.

Find a handout