The NC teacher pay scale determines teacher salaries based on education level and years of experience. The scale includes step increases for each year of service, with higher pay for advanced degrees and National Board Certification. Local supplements from school districts may also enhance base pay.
The NC teacher pay scale is based on education level and years of experience. The scale also includes non certified personnel in the budget for salary increases. The scale has step increases for each year of service and higher pay for advanced degrees and National Board Certification. Local supplements from school districts can also add to base pay.
What is the NC Teacher Pay Scale?
The North Carolina teacher pay scale is a standardized salary schedule used to determine teacher salaries across the state. The scale assigns base salaries according to education level, years of experience and certification status. Higher education levels such as a master’s degree or advanced degree = higher base pay. The scale applies to public school teachers, local school districts add supplements to the base pay.
Primary sponsors, especially Republican legislators, play a big role in legislative proposals to increase teacher salaries in North Carolina. Also see out article on teacher pay scale in South Carolina.
Key Features:
- Education Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Advanced, Doctoral degrees.
- Experience: Step increases for each year of service.
- Certification: National Board Certification increases pay.
- Local Supplements: Added by school districts to increase salary.
- Legislative Control: Pay scale determined by the North Carolina General Assembly.
How the NC Teacher Pay Scale Works
The NC teacher pay scale works by categorizing teachers by education level and years of experience. Recent legislation aims to restore extra pay for teachers with advanced degrees which will impact their base pay. Teachers get step increases for each additional year of service. A master’s degree or advanced degree = higher base pay. See below table:
| Years of Experience | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Advanced Degree | Doctoral Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | $37,000 | $40,700 | $43,290 | $46,460 |
| 3-4 | $38,000 | $41,800 | $44,460 | $47,700 |
| 5-9 | $40,000-$43,000 | $44,000-$47,300 | $46,860-$50,310 | $50,300-$54,010 |
| 10-14 | $45,000-$48,000 | $49,500-$52,800 | $52,650-$56,160 | $56,520-$60,270 |
| 15-19 | $50,000-$52,000 | $55,000-$57,200 | $58,500-$60,830 | $62,800-$65,290 |
| 20-24 | $52,000-$53,000 | $57,200-$58,300 | $60,830-$62,000 | $65,290-$66,560 |
| 25+ | $54,000 | $59,400 | $63,180 | $67,830 |
The salary schedule shows how pay increases with experience and education. For example, a teacher with a bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience makes between $45,000 and $48,000, while a teacher with a doctoral degree and the same experience makes between $56,520 and $60,270.
What Affects Average Teacher Salary in NC
Teacher salaries in North Carolina are affected by more than just the pay scale. The State Board of Education plays a big role in budget and revenue decisions for teacher pay. These factors impact how much teachers get and include local supplements, advanced certifications and legislative changes.
Factors:
- Local Supplements: School districts add pay based on location. For example, Wake County and Mecklenburg County have higher local supplements than rural counties.
- Certification: National Board Certification = 12% pay increase.
- Experience: The more years a teacher serves, the more they get paid.
- Education Level: Higher degrees = higher base pay.
- Legislation: Budget decisions made by the General Assembly impact salary schedules.
- Budget Impact: Budget decisions also impact salary increases for school employees, including teachers and other staff, with House and Senate funding priorities affecting the raises and overall compensation in the upcoming fiscal years.
Proposed Pay Raises and the Bill
The proposed pay raises in House Bill 192 will significantly increase teacher salaries in North Carolina. If passed, starting pay for new teachers will be $50,000, making the profession more attractive to newbies. Experienced teachers will get up to $12,000 annual raises, recognizing their service and years of experience.
A big part of the bill is restoring extra pay for teachers with master’s degrees. This acknowledges the value of advanced education in the teaching profession and will incentivize further professional development. The proposed pay raises will be a big increase for North Carolina teachers, making the state a more competitive employer for teachers and potentially improving teacher retention and recruitment.## Increase Your Teacher Salary
To increase your teacher salary in NC, try:
- Additional Credentials and Certifications: A master’s degree or National Board Certification can boost your pay. These are recognized in the NC teacher pay scale.
- High-Demand Subject Areas: Teach STEM or special education and get higher salaries or bonuses due to high demand.
- Experience and Seniority: The more years you teach, the higher your salary. Experience is a big factor in the NC teacher pay scale.
- Negotiate with the School District: Local boards of education govern classified employee salaries. Talk to your school district to get a better package.
- Professional Development: Participate in professional development programs like Moreland University to enhance your skills and stay competitive.
Historical Changes and Pay Raises in NC Teacher Pay Scale
The NC teacher pay scale has changed over the years due to legislative actions, state budgets and education policies.
Budget proposals and pay raises for state employees, including teachers, have evolved over the years as the House and Senate negotiate funding priorities.
Notable Changes:
- 2010-2015: No pay raises due to budget constraints.
- 2016: New salary tiers introduced to pay more experienced teachers.
- 2018-2022: Periodic raises approved by lawmakers to increase entry-level teacher pay.
- 2023-2024: New salary schedule to pay more for advanced degrees and experienced educators.
The General Assembly has a big role in determining salary schedules and pay raises. Bills related to teacher pay are often debated during budget proposals.
General Assembly and Teacher Pay
The General Assembly has the final say in teacher pay in NC. As the state’s legislative body, the General Assembly passes the state budget which includes teacher salaries. The proposed pay raises in House Bill 192 will need to be approved by the General Assembly to become law. It’s not a done deal, but there’s growing bipartisan support and recognition that teacher pay needs to increase. The General Assembly will be key in addressing the issue and keeping NC competitive in attracting and retaining quality educators. The outcome of this process will impact teacher salaries in the state for years to come.
NC Teacher Pay vs. National Average and Other States
NC’s teacher pay scale is lower than national average but can be competitive with local supplements. Educators with advanced degrees often get additional financial benefits that make their salaries more competitive with other states.
Comparison:
- NC vs. VA: VA has higher average teacher salaries but higher cost of living.
- NC vs. SC: NC’s salaries are slightly higher in urban areas with local supplements.
- National Average: The National Education Association reported NC’s average teacher salary at around $54,150, below the national average of $65,000.
This affects the state’s ability to attract and retain teachers, especially in rural areas.
Future and Recommendations
The future of NC’s teacher pay scale depends on legislative action and education funding priorities. More pay raises and funding for local supplements could make it more competitive.
Recommendations:
- More State Funding: The state needs to allocate more money for pay raises.
- Targeted Incentives: Higher pay for high-need subjects like math, science and special education.
- Local Supplements: Encourage districts to provide better local supplements.
- Legislative Advocacy: Continued pressure from educators and advocacy groups for higher pay.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How does NC’s teacher pay scale account for inflation?
NC’s teacher pay scale does not automatically adjust for inflation. Salary increases are determined by the General Assembly and often lag behind cost-of-living increases.
Can teachers in NC negotiate their salaries individually?
No, individual salary negotiations are not possible for public school teachers. Salaries are determined by the state-wide pay scale but local supplements vary by district.
How does NC’s teacher pay scale compare to neighboring states?
NC’s average teacher salary is lower than VA’s but comparable to SC’s, especially with local supplements.. What about career-switching teachers?
Are there bonuses for high-need subjects or hard-to-staff schools?
No, the base pay scale doesn’t address this but some districts offer bonuses or stipends for teaching high-need subjects or working in hard-to-staff schools
