What is the average teacher salary in Louisiana?

The average public-school teacher salary in Louisiana is approximately $54,278 per year (source: Louisiana Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Louisiana teacher pay compare to the national average?

Louisiana teachers earn about 21% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Louisiana teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Louisiana districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Louisiana?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Louisiana.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Louisiana?

Yes. Almost every Louisiana district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Louisiana

Louisiana teachers earn an average of $54,278 per year — 21% below the national average.

$54,278State Average

$36,000Entry-Level (BS)

#39National Rank

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Louisiana Teacher Salary Overview

$36,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$54,278Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Louisiana teachers earn 21% less than the national average (-$14,191)

How Louisiana Teacher Salaries Work

Louisiana uses a state minimum salary schedule. Local districts add supplements. East Baton Rouge, Jefferson Parish, and St. Tammany Parish offer above-average total compensation. Rural parishes in the central and northern regions often pay near the minimum.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Louisiana has expanded charter schools significantly. Teacher pay increases passed in 2021 and 2023 raised the minimum. The state offers a Teacher Recruitment and Retention fund for rural and high-need districts.

Top Hiring Districts in Louisiana

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Jefferson Parish198 open positions Rapides Parish175 open positions Calcasieu Parish73 open positions St. Mary Parish60 open positions Plaquemines Parish39 open positions Allen Parish33 open positions Lafayette Parish31 open positions St. John The Baptist Parish28 open positions Central Community School District19 open positions Terrebonne Parish17 open positions

687 total open positions across Louisiana school districts.

Browse All Louisiana Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Louisiana ranks #39 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Louisiana?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Louisiana teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Louisiana Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Louisiana — apply directly on district sites.

View Louisiana jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Louisiana Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Louisiana Department of Education.