Ohio Teachers Ranked Low in National Pay Survey

State data showed Ohio teachers earned less than national averages during the 2024-25 school year.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Isometric editorial illustration of a solitary brass school bell on a dark wooden table, symbolizing the professional status of educators. — Ohio public school teachers earned an average of $70,586 during the 2024-25 school year, ranking 23rd nationally amid ongoing staffing shortages. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support increasing state-mandated minimum salaries for public school teachers in your area?

During the 2024-25 school year, Ohio public school teachers earned an average of $70,586, ranking the state 23rd nationally. Starting teacher salaries in Ohio ranked 46th in the country at an average of $42,222.

Why it matters

Persistent staffing shortages have fueled a debate over teacher compensation as educators increasingly leave the profession for higher-paying career opportunities. The state is currently considering legislation to raise minimum pay to help address these recruitment challenges.

Ohio's estimated total teacher payroll reached $7 billion for the 2024-25 period. Meanwhile, state law mandates a base salary of only $35,000 for new teachers with a bachelor's degree.

The players

Vivek Ramaswamy

He is an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate who discussed teacher pay issues in a public video.

The details

One out of every eight teaching positions in Ohio remained vacant or was filled by an underqualified educator in 2025. Ohio is one of 32 states that do not provide salary supplements for teachers in hard-to-staff subjects or schools.

2024-25 school year: Average salaries and total payroll were measured.
2025: One in eight positions were vacant or held by underqualified staff.
September 19, 2026: Vivek Ramaswamy addressed teacher compensation in a video.
December 2026: The legislative deadline for House Bill 191 arrives.

Market Landscape

The push for higher minimum pay via House Bill 191 represents a legislative effort to stabilize a labor market currently struggling with significant staffing gaps. This proposal attempts to realign Ohio's competitiveness with other states after ranking 46th in starting teacher pay.

The prevalence of vacant or underqualified positions means students may experience inconsistent classroom instruction and larger class sizes. Families should monitor local school board decisions as districts potentially adjust budgets to account for fluctuating staffing costs.

The takeaway

Competitive compensation remains a central lever for schools trying to retain qualified educators in a tightening labor market. Policymakers face pressure to reconcile state mandates with the rising cost of living to prevent further workforce flight.

What happens next

House Bill 191 must be passed by the state legislature before the session ends in December 2026 to avoid requiring reintroduction in a future session.