Most U.S. Public School Teachers Work Extra Jobs to Stay Afloat
New national data shows widespread financial strain and deep pay gaps across states
ECONOMY
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A new national survey is raising alarms about the financial reality facing America’s public‑school teachers. More than half of educators say they must work extra jobs year‑round just to cover basic expenses, and the situation worsens when factoring in cost‑of‑living differences and stagnant wages.
Widespread Reliance on Second Jobs
A Gallup study found that 71% of U.S. public‑school teachers hold at least one additional job to supplement their income. Nearly one‑third work in fields completely unrelated to education, taking on roles such as rideshare driving, food delivery, restaurant shifts, or temporary labor to make ends meet.
The survey also revealed that 52% of teachers say they are barely getting by, while 21% report facing outright financial hardship. Only 28% describe their household income as comfortable.
Salary Gaps and Cost‑of‑Living Pressures
The national average teacher salary last school year was about $72,000, but that figure masks dramatic disparities. According to the Learning Policy Institute, states like New York and California offer some of the highest salaries, while southern states such as Mississippi and Florida rank among the lowest—especially after adjusting for cost of living.
Even in higher‑paying states, rising housing, transportation, and food costs have outpaced wage growth, tightening budgets for educators across the country.
Teachers Earn Far Less Than Peers With Similar Education
Another key finding: teachers earn 27% less on average than other professionals with comparable levels of education. This wage gap helps explain why so many educators turn to side jobs to bridge the financial divide.
A Growing National Concern
The data paints a picture of a profession under mounting financial pressure—one where passion for teaching often collides with economic reality. As policymakers debate solutions, the numbers suggest that improving teacher compensation is becoming increasingly urgent.