These U.S States Offer the Strongest Teaching Environments in 2026

Article courtesy of University of Melbourne Online

Northeastern states dominate the top of the 2026 rankings, driven by higher pay, stronger school funding, and consistently high student outcomes.
Teacher pay alone doesn’t guarantee a top spot; safety, class sizes, and long-term career stability play a major role.
States with strong teacher preparation pipelines tend to perform better overall, even if salaries are not the highest nationally.
Several high-ranking states still struggle with pension access for new teachers, highlighting long-term retention concerns.
Growth projections for teaching jobs vary widely, suggesting that demand and stability differ sharply by region.

Teaching in the United States has rarely felt more demanding. From staffing shortages and classroom burnout to debates around curriculum and school safety, educators are being asked to do more than ever, often with limited resources. In recent years, strikes, walkouts, and mass resignations have made headlines, underscoring just how fragile the teaching workforce has become in some parts of the country.

To better understand how these challenges vary by location, University of Melbourne Online conducted a study examining where teachers in the U.S. are best positioned to succeed in 2026. The study analyzed a wide range of factors, from pay and class sizes to student outcomes and safety, to identify which states offer the strongest overall environments for educators, and which ones still have significant ground to cover.

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts takes the top spot with a final score of 62.93, and its strength comes from balance rather than one single standout metric. Teachers here earn an average salary of $92,076, ranking third nationally, while starting salaries of $52,616 place the state seventh. Per-student spending is among the highest in the country at $26,123, ranking third, and class sizes are relatively small with a pupil-teacher ratio of 12.0.

Academic outcomes also boost Massachusetts’ position. The state ranks first nationally in NAEP 8th grade reading and math scores, reinforcing its reputation for strong public education. While pension access for new teachers ranks poorly, the overall mix of funding, outcomes, and safety helps explain why Massachusetts remains a gold standard for educators.

2. Maryland

Maryland ranks second with a score of 62.45, offering one of the most attractive pay packages for teachers. Starting salaries average $54,439, ranking fifth nationally, while overall pay sits at $84,338, ranking sixth. Per-student spending is solid, and the state benefits from a high density of schools per capita.

Maryland’s student performance metrics are consistently strong, particularly in math, where it ranks 11th nationally. Combined with relatively moderate safety risks and decent pension access for new teachers, Maryland’s position reflects a state that continues to invest steadily in education without extreme class sizes or funding gaps.

3. Connecticut

Connecticut ranks third overall with a score of 61.58, buoyed by generous spending and small class sizes. Teachers earn an average salary of $86,511, ranking fifth nationally, and the pupil-teacher ratio of 11.7 places the state fourth. Per-student spending exceeds $24,000, ranking fifth.

Another key strength is teacher preparation. Connecticut ranks fifth nationally for teacher preparation program completion, suggesting a strong pipeline of trained educators. While test scores are more mixed, the state’s emphasis on class size and teacher density helps explain its consistently high placement.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina may surprise some by ranking fourth with a score of 60.71. The state boasts the second-highest average teacher salary in the country at $95,615 and leads the nation in per-student spending at $31,514. These figures give teachers access to better-resourced classrooms than many might expect.

However, larger class sizes and higher rates of school firearm incidents temper the state’s performance. Even so, strong student outcomes and competitive pay help North Carolina stand out in a region where teachers often face tougher conditions.

5. Washington

Washington rounds out the top five with a score of 60.43, anchored by excellent pay. Teachers here enjoy the second-highest starting salaries nationally at $57,912 and an average salary of $91,720, ranking fourth. Job growth projections are also strong, with teaching roles expected to grow by 13.1 percent.

The tradeoff comes in larger class sizes and higher rates of school firearm incidents. Even so, strong graduation rates and competitive compensation make Washington an appealing option for educators prioritizing earnings and job availability.

6. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ranks sixth with a score of 60.00, offering a stable and relatively safe environment for teachers. The state ranks fourth nationally for low firearm incidents at schools and maintains manageable class sizes with a pupil-teacher ratio of 13.3.

While salary growth is more modest than in top-five states, Pennsylvania’s consistent student outcomes and solid school infrastructure help it remain competitive, particularly for educators seeking long-term stability rather than rapid growth.

7. Hawaii

Hawaii ranks seventh with a score of 59.24, standing out for safety and teacher preparation. The state ranks third nationally for low firearm incidents and second for teacher preparation program completion. Graduation rates are also among the highest in the country.

Lower growth projections and pension access hold Hawaii back slightly, but its strong safety profile and emphasis on teacher readiness make it an attractive option for educators prioritizing classroom environment over raw salary figures.

8. Rhode Island

Rhode Island earns eighth place with a score of 57.82, driven by generous per-student spending of $21,794 and small class sizes. The state also has one of the lowest teacher contribution rates, easing financial pressure on educators.

However, slower job growth and middling graduation rates prevent it from climbing higher. Still, Rhode Island’s combination of funding and manageable workloads keeps it firmly in the top tier.

9. Missouri

Missouri ranks ninth with a score of 57.23 and stands out for safety, ranking second nationally for low firearm incidents at schools. Teacher density is also high, which can help reduce workloads.

Lower starting salaries and higher contribution rates offset these strengths, but Missouri’s strong teacher preparation completion rate suggests a solid foundation for future improvement.

10. Delaware

Delaware completes the top 10 with a score of 56.78. While salary figures are more modest, the state excels in student performance, ranking fourth nationally in both NAEP 8th grade reading and math scores.

Low teacher contribution rates also help, though zero projected job growth raises questions about long-term opportunities. Even so, Delaware’s strong academic outcomes keep it competitive in 2026.

A spokesperson for University of Melbourne Online commented on the study’s findings:

“Teaching in the U.S. has become incredibly uneven. Some states are putting real money into classrooms, reducing class sizes, and investing in teacher training, while others are still relying on educators to absorb the pressure.”

“We see states with high pay but weaker long-term security, and others with modest wages but safer schools and better preparation pipelines. Teachers are weighing all of that when deciding where to work.”

“States that fail to address safety, burnout, and pension access will likely see shortages deepen. The top-performing states in this ranking are the ones treating teaching as a profession to be sustained, not just filled.”

List of the best states for teachers:

Rank	State	Average Teacher Starting Salary	Average Teacher Salary	Teacher Pay Gap	Per Student Spending	Pupil/Teacher Ratio	Firearm Incidents at School per 100K Residents	Teachers and Instructors, Growth Prediction	Teachers Per 100K Residents	Teacher Contribution Rate	New Teachers Who Qualify for a Pension %	Schools per 100K Residents	High School Graduation Rates	NAEP 8th Grade Reading Score	NAEP 8th Grade Math Score	Teacher Preparation Program Completion %	Final Score
1	Massachusetts	$52,616	$92,076	77¢	$26,123	12.00	2.8	10.90%	1097	11.00%	12	25.42	91.1	268	283	32.37	62.93
2	Maryland	$54,439	$84,338	73¢	$19,345	14.30	3.7	8.60%	1004	7.00%	43	22.32	90.6	258	268	29.66	62.45
3	Connecticut	$49,860	$86,511	76¢	$24,012	11.70	6.9	9.30%	1214	7.00%	55	27.24	90.9	263	277	35.76	61.58
4	North Carolina	$50,077	$95,615	83¢	$31,514	15.40	10.5	8.10%	911	6.00%	35	24.23	88.5	255	276	28.50	60.71
5	Washington	$57,912	$91,720	72¢	$19,955	17.20	14.5	13.10%	807	8.06%	55	31.68	91.7	259	274	31.16	60.43
6	Pennsylvania	$50,470	$76,961	81¢	$20,779	13.30	2.4	1.90%	981	9.00%	36	22.27	91	259	276	31.40	60.00
7	Hawaii	$51,835	$74,222	80¢	$18,943	14.20	2.3	3.10%	838	8.00%	25	20.33	92.5	257	270	43.29	59.24
8	Rhode Island	$47,205	$82,189	90¢	$21,794	12.70	2.9	2.10%	982	3.75%	51	27.83	89.2	258	270	31.94	57.82
9	Missouri	$44,995	$72,430	67¢	$16,593	12.80	1.2	4.50%	1124	14.50%	58	39.39	90.6	255	270	33.18	57.23
10	Delaware	$48,407	$71,186	84¢	$19,401	14.20	5	0.00%	957	5.00%	36	21.92	90.6	249	263	21.83	56.78
11	Virginia	$48,666	$66,327	67¢	$16,832	13.60	11.1	3.80%	1059	5.00%	50	23.95	90.3	256	275	31.70	56.14
12	New Jersey	$42,588	$67,170	68¢	$22,252	11.80	1	4.20%	1262	7.50%	56	26.58	90.3	266	282	24.29	56.10
13	Vermont	$44,524	$69,562	87¢	$28,697	10.50	8.3	8.60%	1225	6.00%	33	47.20	93.5	257	276	22.32	56.10
14	New York	$53,400	$68,440	83¢	$15,183	11.70	7.5	5.20%	1108	5.75%	40	24.07	87.2	257	271	28.70	55.53
15	Maine	$42,380	$62,570	79¢	$22,153	11.40	4.6	0.00%	1084	7.65%	14	42.05	93.2	255	273	18.04	53.43
16	Alaska	$52,451	$78,256	80¢	$20,638	18.30	6.9	1.10%	976	8.00%	37	66.42	93.1	246	264	19.08	53.22
17	New Mexico	$57,603	$82,877	87¢	$24,831	14.60	24.3	5.00%	1020	10.70%	33	41.51	86.5	245	256	30.18	53.17
18	California	$58,409	$101,084	80¢	$18,969	21.80	10	7.40%	698	10.21%	69	26.03	83.9	254	269	38.48	53.12
19	Oregon	$44,446	$77,130	71¢	$16,760	18.70	13.9	8.40%	731	6.00%	46	30.20	91.1	255	268	38.27	51.79
20	Wisconsin	$42,259	$65,762	75¢	$16,285	13.70	5.5	5.30%	1012	6.90%	64	37.12	92.6	260	283	27.80	51.62
21	Kansas	$42,800	$58,146	73¢	$14,901	12.90	9.3	2.50%	1287	6.00%	44	45.09	91.4	255	274	27.75	50.77
22	Mississippi	$38,871	$55,132	67¢	$13,586	13.00	8.4	3.10%	1148	9.00%	24	35.07	85.3	253	269	29.85	50.67
23	Utah	$55,711	$69,161	70¢	$11,289	22.20	12.9	23.40%	902	0.70%	52	30.75	93	261	282	30.50	50.19
24	West Virginia	$42,708	$55,516	79¢	$15,797	13.50	5.5	0.00%	1057	6.00%	39	38.54	87.6	247	261	26.47	49.75
25	North Dakota	$42,542	$58,292	75¢	$13,796	12.40	2.6	2.20%	1214	11.75%	56	63.05	93.1	257	280	47.35	49.33
26	Oklahoma	$41,152	$61,330	67¢	$11,311	16.60	5	1.20%	1030	7.00%	44	43.08	88.6	249	264	26.22	49.28
27	New Hampshire	$47,355	$66,930	80¢	$11,927	11.50	4.7	9.10%	1048	7.00%	31	35.81	93.3	264	280	23.83	49.19
28	Texas	$48,526	$62,463	77¢	$12,423	14.80	6.2	14.70%	1205	8.25%	59	28.94	84.4	252	269	18.70	48.88
29	Arkansas	$50,031	$58,337	75¢	$13,061	12.70	19.6	4.90%	1257	7.00%	57	35.43	87.2	255	266	30.65	48.16
30	Nebraska	$43,734	$58,581	80¢	$17,492	13.80	5.2	5.00%	1202	9.78%	32	54.27	91.6	256	280	32.54	47.77
31	Colorado	$42,421	$68,647	62¢	$16,889	16.30	10.9	11.90%	906	11.00%	36	31.73	92.1	265	278	34.12	47.22
32	Florida	$48,639	$54,875	76¢	$13,584	18.30	9	15.70%	682	3.00%	28	17.74	88.5	253	267	33.11	46.86
33	Georgia	$43,654	$67,641	73¢	$14,546	14.40	16.7	–	1088	6.00%	33	20.60	87.9	259	269	28.87	46.72
34	Idaho	$45,717	$61,516	73¢	$9,942	17.50	2.5	22.20%	910	7.18%	70	39.42	91.3	261	278	31.56	46.43
35	Michigan	$41,645	$69,067	71¢	$14,489	16.70	10.8	0.40%	855	7.00%	43	34.17	91.3	255	270	20.01	46.43
36	Iowa	$40,997	$62,399	81¢	$13,931	14.10	12.3	8.30%	1124	6.29%	42	40.37	92.5	261	275	24.27	45.56
37	Wyoming	$50,214	$63,669	89¢	$20,869	12.60	19.3	10.00%	1247	9.25%	42	60.66	93.6	260	278	30.58	45.05
38	Louisiana	$46,682	$55,911	72¢	$17,541	17.50	21.4	4.60%	902	8.00%	56	28.56	85.9	257	267	31.07	44.97
39	Arizona	$46,128	$62,714	66¢	$11,808	22.80	2.6	7.60%	661	12.14%	100	31.55	87.9	254	270	20.25	44.68
40	Illinois	$45,061	$75,978	76¢	$21,657	13.70	29.2	1.60%	1081	9.00%	50	34.43	89.7	262	277	25.44	44.58
41	Kentucky	$40,161	$58,325	69¢	$14,174	15.30	7.9	2.20%	947	14.75%	67	33.38	87.2	258	271	20.99	43.96
42	Tennessee	$44,897	$58,630	72¢	$12,616	15.30	17.8	19.40%	913	7.00%	56	26.07	88.2	259	276	32.46	43.73
43	Indiana	$45,007	$58,620	76¢	$13,374	15.80	9.6	3.90%	952	3.00%	31	27.51	89.3	262	278	29.66	43.65
44	South Carolina	$44,693	$60,763	86¢	$14,306	14.10	23.2	9.80%	1024	7.00%	37	22.80	88.3	254	268	27.09	43.44
45	South Dakota	$45,530	$56,328	84¢	$12,956	13.80	7.1	0.00%	1105	6.00%	53	76.47	92.2	260	281	31.28	42.87
46	Ohio	$40,982	$68,236	83¢	$15,436	16.40	5.5	10.10%	866	14.00%	34	29.95	90.8	260	279	26.48	41.81
47	Alabama	$44,610	$61,912	66¢	$13,176	17.90	30.3	4.80%	817	6.20%	39	29.32	86.9	250	262	28.44	40.83
48	Minnesota	$42,492	$53,704	84¢	$12,490	15.50	8	4.20%	974	7.75%	50	46.22	93.4	260	282	27.77	40.66
49	Nevada	$38,811	$60,239	76¢	$15,896	21.00	10.7	7.20%	719	17.50%	57	22.95	86.9	253	265	24.53	37.92
50	Montana	$35,674	$57,556	77¢	$14,480	13.70	15.3	12%	966	8.15%	35	71.82	94	261	279	31.57	36.89

Methodology

The study evaluated all 50 U.S. states across 15 key indicators that affect teacher quality and classroom conditions.

Metrics and Weights

Pupil/Teacher Ratio 8%
Average Teacher Starting Salary 9%
Average Teacher Salary 9%
Teacher Pay Gap 7%
Per Student Spending 7%
Firearm Incidents at School per 100K 10%
Teachers and Instructors, All Other Growth Prediction 7%
Teachers per 100K 4%
Teacher Contribution Rate 5%
New Teachers Who Qualify for a Pension (%) 5%
Schools per 100K 5%
High School Graduation Rates 8%
NAEP 8th Grade Reading Score 6%
NAEP 8th Grade Math Score 6%
Teacher Preparation Program Completion (%) 4%

Each metric was assigned a weight reflecting its importance in creating supportive environments for teachers and students. States were scored on each measure, and the scores were combined to calculate an overall ranking.