West Virginia ranks among the lowest in the nation when it comes to teacher compensation, facing challenges in both average and starting salaries.
Average Teacher Salary
According to the National Education Association (NEA), the average teacher salary in West Virginia is $52,870. This places the state at 51st in the nation, making it the lowest-ranked state for teacher pay.
Starting Salaries for New Teachers
For teachers just beginning their careers, the average starting salary in West Virginia is $40,339. This figure ranks 40th in the nation. While this starting salary is higher than in some states, it still leaves West Virginia behind most others.
Cost of Living vs. Teacher Pay
The Economic Policy Institute estimates that a family consisting of one adult and one child in West Virginia needs an income of $60,082 to meet a modest but adequate standard of living. This is significantly higher than both the average and starting teacher salaries in the state, highlighting a gap between teacher earnings and basic living costs.
How to Earn More Money is West Virginia
Teachers with more than 20 years of experience receive an additional $600 per year. Teachers who hold a certificate from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) receive an additional $3,500 a year. It may be worth pursuing a national board certificate for teachers in West Virginia.
