Teachers in North Carolina make the following salaries as of 2025:
- The average teacher salary in North Carolina is approximately $58,292 per year, which ranks 43rd in the nation and is about $13,700 less than the national average of $72,030
- The average starting teacher salary is around $40,136 to $42,542 per year, ranking near 39th to 42nd nationally
- Entry-level teachers can expect to earn about $39,637 to $41,000 annually, with some variation depending on location and district supplements
- Salaries vary by city, with higher pay in urban areas like Winston-Salem ($63,747), Fayetteville ($63,212), and Raleigh ($60,724), while rural areas tend to offer lower salaries
- Hourly wages for teachers average about $25.12, equating to roughly $52,259 annually according to some sources, though this is slightly lower than other reported averages
Teacher pay in North Carolina is influenced by factors such as education level, years of experience, certifications, and local supplements. The state offers additional pay for advanced degrees and performance bonuses, especially in high-need subjects
. Overall, while North Carolina teacher salaries are below the national average, the state's lower cost of living somewhat offsets this difference. However, slower salary growth and comparatively low starting salaries contribute to challenges in teacher recruitment and retention
. In summary:
- Average teacher salary: ~$58,292/year
- Starting teacher salary: ~$40,136–$42,542/year
- Entry-level teacher salary: ~$39,637–$41,000/year
- Hourly wage average: ~$25.12/hour
- Higher salaries in urban areas; lower in rural
These figures reflect pay for public school teachers and can vary by district and additional supplements
