Colored map of teachers' salaries reveals U.S. state where teachers earn less than the average influencer

We’re often encouraged to chase our dreams and take up a job we love doing. Unfortunately, in this economy, it’s not a feasible option for everyone. A majority have to choose between their dream careers and being financially stable. A colored map shared by @usabycolor revealed that teachers’ salaries in some states are staggeringly low. Showing the difference state-wise, there is one state that makes less than the average TikTok influencer. To think that the wish to educate future generations would no longer be a financially stable career is deeply concerning, and the internet is sharing its honest opinions. 

Dividing the paychecks into different categories, the map perfectly explained which states’ teachers are doing well and which are struggling. The four divisions were “Living the Dream,” “Decent Pay,” “Barely Making it,” and “Unsung Heroes.” Starting with the states offering great pay, only three made it to the list: California, New York, and Massachusetts. The next category of “Decent Pay” reflected a few more states, including Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and a few others around it. A majority of the states, unfortunately, had substantially low pay.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the median annual wage for K-12 teachers was significantly lower than that of other individuals in professions with a bachelor’s degree. According to the Economic Policy Institute, in 2024, a teacher's total compensation gap was -17.1%. This is not a new story; educators have unfortunately witnessed a disparity in pay since the mid-1990s. Over the years, this gap has only increased. It is no wonder that many in the profession feel undervalued and have financial burdens. A graph shared by Think Academy also pointed out that, among other professions, a teacher’s annual salary of $60,000 is the lowest.

Doctors, lawyers, and software engineers are all earning between $150,000 $220,000 per year. And the map proves the blatant disparity in how different professions are valued. Around 17 states in the U.S. fell in the “Barely Making It” category when it came to teachers’ pay. This includes Texas, Montana, Minnesota, and Michigan, among others. Lastly, nearly 20 states’ pay was so low that it fell in the category of “Unsung Heroes.” Arizona, North and South Dakota, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and so many others have seriously low payrolls for educators. The caption revealed an even more shocking statistic. In Mississippi, teachers earned even less than the average TikTok influencer. 

Data shared by Exploding Topics revealed that TikTok influencers earn an average salary of $131,874 per year. These statistics get divided further, with a majority receiving between $15,000 and $50,000. Yet, Mississippi’s payroll for teachers is considered “criminal.” A report from Clarion Ledger revealed that the state had the lowest average salary of $53,507 for teachers. While the average national salary in the U.S. is $72,000, Mississippi is falling seriously behind. @nnybibliophile said, “Teacher’s pay in the south is criminally low.” @rubiesnbeans added, “Not living the dream. We make an average of $45,000 less per year than people with the same level of education.”

You can follow (@usabycolor) for more statistical content on the USA. 

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