Do North Carolina teachers get paid during the summer?

Most North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

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 North Carolina.

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

Yes. Almost every North Carolina 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 North Carolina

Q: What is the average teacher salary in North Carolina?

The average public-school teacher salary in North Carolina is approximately $56,643 per year (source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Q: How does North Carolina teacher pay compare to the national average?

North Carolina teachers earn about 17% 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.

North Carolina teachers earn an average of $56,643 per year — 17% below the national average.

$56,643State Average

$37,000Entry-Level (BS)

#34National Rank

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North Carolina Teacher Salary Overview

$37,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$56,643Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ North Carolina teachers earn 17% less than the national average (-$11,826)

How North Carolina Teacher Salaries Work

North Carolina uses a state salary schedule as the base, with local supplements negotiated by district. Wake County (Raleigh), Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and Guilford County (Greensboro) offer among the highest total compensation.

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:

NC raised its starting teacher salary to $37,000 in 2022. Teacher shortages remain significant, particularly in rural and low-wealth districts. Lateral entry certification is a notable alternative route.

Top Hiring Districts in North Carolina

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.

Durham Public Schools250 open positions Union County Public Schools247 open positions Pitt County Schools201 open positions Guilford County Schools198 open positions Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools113 open positions Cabarrus County Schools92 open positions Harnett County Schools90 open positions Lincoln County Schools84 open positions Johnston County Public Schools77 open positions Iredell-Statesville Schools77 open positions

3,501 total open positions across North Carolina school districts.

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See the full picture

North Carolina ranks #34 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in North Carolina?

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

North Carolina Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View North Carolina jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction / 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 North Carolina Department of Education.