Teaching can be a rewarding career. The 2022 Best and Worst State for Teachers report compiled by WalletHub shows that some states compensate their teachers more than other states. Maryland stacks up in the top half for all categories, although there is still work to be done to support teachers.
Many teachers find themselves overworked and underpaid, and are considering leaving the profession. Education jobs are among the lowest-paying occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree, and teacher salaries consistently fail to keep up with inflation.
Teachers are more fairly compensated and better protected in some states than in others, though. The best states are less likely to face a revolving door of teacher turnover. To help America’s educators find the best opportunities and teaching environments, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 24 key indicators of teacher-friendliness. Our data set ranges from teachers’ income growth potential to the pupil-teacher ratio to whether the state has a digital learning plan.
Teacher compensation in Maryland is ultimately decided by our elected state and local officials. If you are wondering why it is important to vote – funding for education is a big reason. Here’s more information about how Maryland schools are funded.
Best States for Teachers
| Overall Rank | State | Total Score | Opportunity & Competition | Academic & Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 59.33 | 5 | 3 |
| 2 | Utah | 57.38 | 2 | 12 |
| 3 | Virginia | 56.13 | 4 | 8 |
| 4 | Florida | 55.92 | 6 | 10 |
| 5 | Washington | 55.71 | 3 | 15 |
| 6 | New Jersey | 54.07 | 16 | 6 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 53.80 | 8 | 11 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 53.21 | 18 | 4 |
| 9 | Maryland | 52.43 | 30 | 2 |
| 10 | Connecticut | 52.03 | 24 | 5 |
Teacher-Friendliness of Maryland (1=Best; 25=Avg.)
- 20th – Avg. Salary for Teachers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
- 5th – Quality of School System
- 24th – Pupil-Teacher Ratio
- 17th – Public-School Spending per Student
- 22nd – Teachers’ Income Growth Potential
- 19th – 10-Year Change in Teacher Salaries
1st – Existence of Digital Learning Plan
You can find more details about the report at: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159
