North Carolina Teacher Salary

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

North Carolina teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in North Carolina earned $60,323, according to NEA. That ranks 43rd among the 50 states and D.C. and is $14,172 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $58,292, so pay changed by 3.5%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in North Carolina at $44,952, which ranks 38th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

North CarolinaUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$60,323$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$58,292$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$44,952$48,112
Average salary rank43 of 51
Starting salary rank38 of 51

States close to North Carolina in the ranking

North Dakota (41st, $60,704), Kentucky (42nd, $60,594), Montana (44th, $59,305), Arkansas (45th, $59,193). See all states ranked or compare North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $60,323 in North Carolina for 2024-25, which ranks 43rd of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in North Carolina?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $44,952 in North Carolina for 2024-25, ranking 38th of 51.

How does North Carolina compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. North Carolina is $14,172 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and North Carolina is $3,160 below.

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