Lansing, Michigan, October 7, 2025
News Summary
A new study shows that Michigan dropped to 44th in the nation for average starting teacher pay, with new teachers earning about $41,600 annually, significantly below the national average. Experienced teachers also face a pay gap, earning about $69,100, which is below the national average as well. Public opinion strongly favors increasing teacher salaries, with proposed ideal pay levels and some districts taking steps to address the issue. The ongoing decline in teacher compensation may have serious implications for teacher retention and student outcomes in Michigan.
Lansing, Michigan – A recent study from Michigan State University (MSU) reveals that Michigan ranks 44th in the nation for average starting teacher pay, dropping five positions since the 2021-22 school year. New teachers in Michigan earn an annual salary of about $41,600, approximately $4,900 below the national average. As the state struggles to keep up with the evolving educational landscape, its competitiveness in attracting and retaining quality teachers continues to decline.
According to Jason Burns, a research specialist with the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) at MSU, the situation may worsen, with predictions indicating that Michigan could fall to 45th place next year. Experienced teachers in the state earn around $69,100, which is roughly $3,000 below the national average. The disparity in salaries has significant implications for teacher retention and student outcomes in Michigan.
The decline in teacher pay is not just a financial issue; it reflects broader shifts in educational funding in Michigan. A change in how the state allocates funds to education has resulted in smaller budgets for essential school operations, including teacher compensation. This has led to teacher salaries that are nearly 23% lower than those of other professionals with similar levels of education and experience.
The low salary situation may be contributing factor to the record-high rates of teachers leaving the profession, which could negatively impact student learning. Public sentiment in Michigan shows widespread agreement on the necessity of increasing teacher salaries, emphasizing the vital role teachers play in shaping students’ futures.
In response to these challenges, some school districts in Michigan are taking measures to improve teacher pay. For instance, the Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) Board has approved a new contract that provides a 6.5% increase to base pay for teachers for the 2023-24 school year. The KPS contract also includes a 4% increase for employees on the Schedule B step and a $250 signing bonus. However, in Grand Rapids, teachers have protested their low pay, with some noting a decrease in take-home pay despite recent pay increases.
Moreover, public opinion in Michigan reveals strong support for higher teacher salaries. Residents suggested an ideal average teacher salary of $85,600 per year, making it the second-highest in the nation. Michiganders proposed a percentage salary raise of 31.4%, ranking the state fourth in the nation for desired compensation increases for teachers. This suggests the public’s recognition of the essential role that teachers hold in the education system.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan ranks 44th in the nation for average starting teacher pay.
- New teachers earn about $41,600 annually, $4,900 below the national average.
- Experienced teachers earn about $69,100, $3,000 below the national average.
- Public opinion shows strong support for increasing teacher salaries in Michigan.
- Kalamazoo Public Schools approved a contract with a 6.5% salary increase for teachers for the 2023-24 school year.
Chart: Michigan Teacher Salaries Comparison
| Category | Average Salary in Michigan | National Average Salary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Teacher Salary | $41,600 | $46,500 | -$4,900 |
| Experienced Teacher Salary | $69,100 | $72,100 | -$3,000 |
FAQ
- What is Michigan’s ranking for average starting teacher pay?
- Michigan ranks 44th in the nation for average starting teacher pay.
- How much do new teachers in Michigan earn?
- New teachers in Michigan earn about $41,600 annually, which is approximately $4,900 below the national average for starting teacher salaries.
- What is the average pay for experienced teachers in Michigan?
- Experienced teachers in Michigan earn about $69,100, which is roughly $3,000 below the national average.
- What factor has contributed to declining teacher salaries in Michigan?
- A shift in how Michigan funds education may have contributed to the decline in teacher salaries.
- What has public opinion indicated about teacher salaries in Michigan?
- Public opinion in Michigan indicates strong support for higher teacher salaries; Michiganders suggested an ideal average teacher salary of $85.6k per year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WWMT: Teacher Salaries in Michigan
- MLive: Kalamazoo Public Schools Pay Raises
- WBCKFM: Michigan Teacher Salaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Salaries
- Google Search: Michigan Teacher Pay
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
