The Indicator from Planet Money · Friday, August 28, 2026
A new report from the Economic Policy Institute indicates that public school teachers in the US are earning significantly less than their peers in other professions, a gap that has widened over time. In 2025, teachers earned an average of 74.8 cents for every dollar earned by comparable college graduates in other fields.
“That is the average wage that public school teachers in the US earned in 2025, compared with similar college graduates working in other professions.”
“Like in 1996, teachers made 6% less than their peers in other professions. In 2024, they made 27% less. That's actually a record.”
“And economist Sylvia Alegretto says this disparity has already taken a toll on recruiting and retaining teachers.”