What is the average teacher salary in Minnesota?

The average public-school teacher salary in Minnesota is approximately $64,818 per year (source: Minnesota Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Minnesota teacher pay compare to the national average?

Minnesota teachers earn about 5% 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 Minnesota teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

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 Minnesota.

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

Yes. Almost every Minnesota 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 Minnesota

Minnesota teachers earn an average of $64,818 per year — 5% below the national average.

$64,818State Average

$40,000Entry-Level (BS)

#21National Rank

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Minnesota Teacher Salary Overview

$40,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$64,818Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Minnesota teachers earn 5% less than the national average (-$3,651)

How Minnesota Teacher Salaries Work

Minnesota salaries are negotiated by local bargaining units. Metro area districts (Anoka-Hennepin, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan) typically offer higher starting salaries than Greater Minnesota districts.

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:

Minnesota's four-tier licensure system (introduced in 2018) allows more flexibility for career changers and those with specialized expertise. Teachers move through Tier 1 → 4 as they gain qualifications.

Top Hiring Districts in Minnesota

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.

Minneapolis Public School District313 open positions Saint Paul Public Schools143 open positions Minnetonka Public School District141 open positions South Washington County Schools133 open positions North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale128 open positions Osseo Public School District120 open positions Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Schools114 open positions Anoka-Hennepin School District105 open positions Rochester Public School District97 open positions Elk River Public School District96 open positions

4,325 total open positions across Minnesota school districts.

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Minnesota ranks #21 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Minnesota?

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

Minnesota Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

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Data sources: Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Minnesota

What is the average teacher salary in Minnesota?: The average public-school teacher salary in Minnesota is approximately $64,818 per year (source: Minnesota Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Minnesota teacher pay compare to the national average?: Minnesota teachers earn about 5% 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 Minnesota teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Minnesota 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 Minnesota?: 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 Minnesota.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Minnesota?: Yes. Almost every Minnesota 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.