If you are a teacher in North Carolina or planning to become one, you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn in the 2023-2024 school year. Teacher salaries vary widely depending on the state, the type of school, the level of education, and other factors. In this article, we will provide you with the latest information on the NC teacher pay scale, as well as compare it with other states, benefits, and monthly income.
The NC Teacher Salary for 2023-2024
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the NC teacher pay scale for 2023-2024 is based on years of teaching experience and degree level. The salary schedule is approved annually by the General Assembly and sets a minimum pay for teachers in public schools. However, local school districts may also provide additional supplements to teachers based on their own criteria.
The following table shows the monthly salary for teachers with a bachelor’s degree (A) and a master’s degree (M) on the NC teacher pay scale for 2023-2024:
Years of Experience | A Teachers | M Teachers |
---|---|---|
0 | $4,100 | $4,510 |
1 | $4,200 | $4,620 |
2 | $4,300 | $4,730 |
3 | $4,400 | $4,840 |
4 | $4,500 | $4,950 |
5 | $4,600 | $5,060 |
6 | $4,700 | $5,170 |
7 | $4,800 | $5,280 |
8 | $4,900 | $5,390 |
9 | $5,000 | $5,500 |
10 | $5,100 | $5,610 |
11 | $5,200 | $5,720 |
12 | $5,300 | $5,830 |
13 | $5,400 | $5,940 |
14 | $5,500 | $6,050 |
15 | $5,610 | $6,171 |
16-18 | $5,720 | $6,292 |
19-21 | $5,790 | $6,369 |
22-24 | $5,850 | $6,435 |
25-27 | $5,940 | $6,534 |
28+ | $6,000 | N/A |
Teachers with a six-year degree level (S) receive an additional monthly supplement of $126 on top of their M salary. Teachers with a doctoral degree level (D) receive an additional monthly supplement of $253 on top of their M salary.
Teachers who have National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification receive a monthly supplement of 12% of their A salary. Teachers who are certified school nurses receive a monthly supplement of 10% of their A salary. School counselors who are licensed at the master’s degree level or higher receive a monthly supplement of $100.
How Does NC Teacher Salary Compare with Other States?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual salary for teachers in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States was $61,730 in the 2019-2020 school year. This means that the average monthly salary for teachers in the US was about $5,144.
However, teacher salaries vary widely across different states. The following table shows the average annual and monthly salaries for teachers in public elementary and secondary schools by state in the 2019-2020 school year,
State | Average Annual Salary ($) | Average Monthly Salary ($) |
---|---|---|
New York | 92,222 | 7,685 |
Massachusetts | 88,903 | 7,409 |
California | 87,275 | 7,273 |
District of Columbia | 82,523 | 6,877 |
Washington | 81,586 | 6,799 |
Connecticut | 81,185 | 6,765 |
State | Average Annual Salary ($) | Average Monthly Salary ($) |
---|---|---|
New Jersey | 80,839 | 6,737 |
Alaska | 80,512 | 6,709 |
Maryland | 79,917 | 6,660 |
Rhode Island | 78,957 | 6,580 |
Pennsylvania | 77,932 | 6,494 |
… | … | … |
North Carolina | 54,682 | 4,557 |
… | … | … |
Mississippi | 46,574 | 3,881 |
As you can see from the table, North Carolina ranked 39th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of average teacher salary in the 2019-2020 school year. This means that NC teachers earned about $11,000 less than the national average and about $37,000 less than the highest-paid state (New York).
However, it is important to note that these figures do not account for the cost of living in different states. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the regional price parity (RPP) index measures the differences in the price levels of goods and services across states and metropolitan areas relative to the national average. The RPP index is expressed as a percentage of the national price level (100). For example, an RPP index of 120 means that the average prices in that state or area are 20% higher than the national average.
The following table shows the RPP index for each state:
State | RPP Index (%) |
---|---|
District of Columbia | 118.4 |
Hawaii | 118.2 |
New York | 115.7 |
California | 114.4 |
New Jersey | 113.8 |
Maryland | 109.5 |
Connecticut | 108.8 |
Massachusetts | 107.9 |
Alaska | 106.1 |
Washington | 105.7 |
… | … |
North Carolina | 91.0 |
… | … |
Mississippi | 84.8 |
Using the RPP index, we can adjust the average teacher salaries by state to reflect the purchasing power parity (PPP) of each state relative to the national average. The PPP-adjusted salary is calculated by dividing the average salary by the RPP index and multiplying by 100. The following table shows the PPP-adjusted average annual and monthly salaries for teachers by state in the 2019-2020 school year:
State | Average Annual Salary ($) | Average Monthly Salary ($) | PPP-Adjusted Annual Salary ($) | PPP-Adjusted Monthly Salary ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|
New York | 92,222 | 7,685 | 79,704 | 6,642 |
Massachusetts | 88,903 | 7,409 | 82,405 | 6,867 |
California | 87,275 | 7,273 | 76,314 | 6,360 |
District of Columbia | 82,523 | 6,877 | 69,712 | 5,809 |
Washington | 81,586 | 6,799 | 77,204 | 6,434 |
Connecticut | 81,185 | 6,765 | 74,612 | 6,218 |
New Jersey | 80,839 | 6,737 | 71,040 | 5,920 |
Alaska | 80,512 | 6,709 | 75,855 | 6,321 |
Maryland | 79,917 | 6,660 | 72,986 | 6,082 |
Rhode Island | 78,957 | 6,580 | 73,173 | 6,098 |
Pennsylvania | 77,932 | 6,494 | 76,252 | 6,354 |
… | … | … | … | … |
North Carolina | 54,682 | 4,557 | 60,085 | 5,007 |
… | … | … | … | … |
Mississippi | 46,574 | 3,881 | 54,921 | |
4,577 |
As you can see from the table, the PPP-adjusted salary for North Carolina teachers is higher than the nominal salary by about $5,000 annually and $400 monthly. This means that NC teachers have more purchasing power than their nominal salary suggests. However, NC teachers still earn less than the national average PPP-adjusted salary of $64,000 annually and $5,333 monthly. Moreover, NC teachers earn significantly less than the top-paying states such as New York and Massachusetts.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Teacher in North Carolina?
Besides the salary and supplements, teachers in North Carolina also enjoy various benefits that enhance their compensation package. Some of the benefits include:
- Health insurance: Teachers are eligible for the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees (SHP), which offers comprehensive medical coverage with low premiums and copayments. Teachers can choose from three plan options: the Traditional Plan (80/20), the Enhanced Plan (85/15), or the Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP). The state pays most of the premium cost for teachers and their dependents.
- Retirement: Teachers are members of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS), which provides a defined benefit pension plan based on years of service and average final compensation. Teachers can retire with full benefits after reaching age 65 with five years of service or any age with at least 30 years of service. Teachers can also retire with reduced benefits after reaching age 50 with at least 20 years of service or age 60 with at least five years of service. The retirement benefit is calculated as a percentage of the average final compensation multiplied by the years of service. The percentage ranges from 1.82% to 2.16% depending on the retirement date. Teachers can also participate in optional supplemental retirement plans such as the NC 401(k) Plan or the NC Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan).
- Leave: Teachers are entitled to various types of leave such as annual leave, sick leave, personal leave, educational leave, military leave, and family and medical leave. Teachers earn one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave per month of employment. Teachers can use annual leave for any personal reason with prior approval from their supervisor. Teachers can use sick leave for their own illness or injury or for the care of an immediate family member. Teachers can also use sick leave to cover absences due to adverse weather conditions or other emergencies. Teachers can accumulate up to 240 days of annual leave and unlimited days of sick leave. Teachers can also receive up to 10 days of personal leave per year with a deduction of $50 per day from their salary. Personal leave can be used for any personal reason without prior approval from their supervisor. Teachers can also apply for educational leave for professional development purposes with full or partial pay depending on the duration and nature of the leave. Teachers who are members of the military can take military leave for active duty or training with full pay for up to 30 days per year. Teachers who need to take leave for family or medical reasons can apply for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which grants up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year with job protection and health insurance continuation.
- Other benefits: Teachers also enjoy other benefits such as longevity pay, performance bonuses, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, mentoring and induction programs, employee assistance program, and discounts on various products and services.
How Much Do NC Teachers Make a Month?
Based on the NC teacher pay scale for 2023-2024, the monthly salary for teachers in North Carolina ranges from $4,100 to $6,000 depending on their years of experience and degree level. However, this does not include the supplements and benefits that teachers may receive. To get a more accurate estimate of how much NC teachers make a month, we need to consider the following factors:
- Supplements: Teachers may receive additional monthly supplements based on their degree level, certification status, or specialty area. For example, a teacher with a master’s degree and NBPTS certification may receive an extra $1,000 per month on top of their base salary.
- Taxes: Teachers have to pay federal and state income taxes on their salary and supplements. The tax rates vary depending on the filing status, income level, and deductions. For example, a single teacher with a monthly income of $5,000 may pay about $1,000 in federal and state taxes.
- Deductions: Teachers have to pay for certain deductions from their salary such as retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and personal leave charges. The amount of deductions depends on the plan options and usage. For example, a teacher who chooses the Enhanced Plan (85/15) for health insurance may pay about $100 per month in premiums.
- Expenses: Teachers have to pay for certain expenses related to their profession such as classroom supplies, transportation, clothing, and meals. The amount of expenses varies depending on the individual preferences and needs. For example, a teacher who spends $200 per month on classroom supplies may have less disposable income than a teacher who spends $100.
To illustrate how these factors affect the monthly income of NC teachers, let us consider two hypothetical examples:
- Example 1: Alice is a teacher with 10 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree. She teaches math at a public high school in Raleigh. She has no NBPTS certification or other supplements. Her monthly salary is $5,100 according to the NC teacher pay scale for 2023-2024. She pays about $1,100 in federal and state taxes, $200 in retirement contributions, $50 in health insurance premiums, and $0 in personal leave charges. She spends about $150 on classroom supplies, $100 on transportation, $200 on clothing, and $300 on meals. Her net monthly income after taxes, deductions, and expenses is $3,100.
- Example 2: Bob is a teacher with 15 years of experience and a master’s degree. He teaches science at a public elementary school in Charlotte. He has NBPTS certification and receives a school nurse supplement. His monthly salary is $6,171 according to the NC teacher pay scale for 2023-2024. He receives an extra $612 per month for his NBPTS certification and an extra $510 per month for his school nurse supplement. His total monthly income is $7,293. He pays about $1,500 in federal and state taxes, $300 in retirement contributions, $100 in health insurance premiums, and $250 in personal leave charges. He spends about $100 on classroom supplies, $50 on transportation, $150 on clothing, and $250 on meals. His net monthly income after taxes, deductions, and expenses is $4,793.
As you can see from these examples, the monthly income of NC teachers can vary significantly depending on their qualifications, supplements, taxes, deductions, and expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NC teacher pay scale for 2023-2024 is based on years of teaching experience and degree level. The salary schedule sets a minimum pay for teachers in public schools but local school districts may provide additional supplements based on their own criteria. The average annual salary for teachers in North Carolina was $54,682 in the 2019-2020 school year, which ranked 39th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, the PPP-adjusted salary for North Carolina teachers was higher than the nominal salary by about $5,000 annually and $400 monthly, which means that NC teachers have more purchasing power than their nominal salary suggests. Nevertheless, NC teachers still earn less than the national average PPP-adjusted salary of $64,000 annually and $5,333 monthly. Moreover, NC teachers earn significantly less than the top-paying states such as New York and Massachusetts.
Therefore, if you are a teacher in North Carolina or planning to become one, you may want to consider the following factors before making your career decision:
- Your passion and motivation for teaching: Teaching is a noble and rewarding profession that can make a positive impact on the lives of students and society. However, it is also a challenging and demanding job that requires dedication, patience, creativity, and resilience. You should ask yourself why you want to be a teacher and what are your goals and expectations for your career.
- Your qualifications and skills: Your level of education, certification, and specialization can affect your salary and career prospects as a teacher. You may want to pursue higher degrees or additional certifications to enhance your knowledge and competence as a teacher. You may also want to explore different subject areas or grade levels that suit your interests and abilities as a teacher.
- Your location and preferences: Your choice of where to teach can have a significant impact on your salary and living standards as a teacher. You may want to compare the cost of living, the quality of education, the availability of resources, the diversity of students, the culture and climate, and the opportunities for professional development in different states or regions. You may also want to consider your personal and family needs and preferences when choosing where to teach.
We hope that this article has provided you with useful information on the NC teacher pay scale for 2023-2024 and how it compares with other states. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
Most Asked Questions and Answers about NC Teacher Salary
- How often does the NC teacher pay scale change?
The NC teacher pay scale is approved annually by the General Assembly as part of the state budget. The pay scale may change depending on the availability of funds, the economic conditions, the political priorities, and the public demand.
- How do I find out my exact salary as a NC teacher?
Your exact salary as a NC teacher depends on your years of experience, degree level, supplements, taxes, deductions, and expenses. You can use the [NC DPI Salary Calculator] to estimate your monthly salary based on your information. You can also check your pay stubs or contact your local school district for more details.
- How do I get a raise as a NC teacher?
You can get a raise as a NC teacher by advancing on the pay scale based on your years of experience or degree level. You can also get a raise by receiving supplements based on your certification status or specialty area. You can also get a raise by negotiating with your local school district for additional supplements based on their own criteria.
- How do I become a NBPTS certified teacher in North Carolina?
To become a NBPTS certified teacher in North Carolina, you need to meet the eligibility requirements, complete the application process, submit the portfolio entries, take the assessment center exercises, and receive the score report from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). You can find more information on the [NBPTS website].
- How do I become a school nurse in North Carolina?
To become a school nurse in North Carolina, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or higher from an accredited program, hold a current license as a registered nurse (RN) in North Carolina, have at least three years of nursing experience in public health or school health settings, and complete an approved school nurse orientation program. You can find more information on the [NC School Nurse Association website].
- How do I transfer my teaching license from another state to North Carolina?
To transfer your teaching license from another state to North Carolina, you need to apply for an Initial Professional License (IPL) through the NCDPI Online Licensure System. You need to submit official transcripts showing completion of an approved teacher education program from an accredited institution, verification of teaching experience from previous employers,