The Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office (RFA) provides projections on teacher salaries in the Southeastern states. RFA also provides a summary of the cost to increase teacher salaries. These estimates are used in the state government budget process to inform decisions on funding needs for teacher salaries.
Southeastern Average Teacher Salary Survey
As required by §59-20-50, the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office surveys the Southeastern states annually to estimate the Southeastern average teacher salary for classroom teachers in each state. The eleven states included in the survey are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Average salaries are calculated by each individual state. The average teacher salary for South Carolina as reported by the S.C. Department of Education is also included for comparison.
FY 2026-27 Southeastern Average Teacher Salary Survey
(Rev 11/25) Projected average classroom teacher salaries of the Southeastern states
South Carolina and Southeastern Average Teacher Salary - Chart
(Rev 11/25) Actual South Carolina teacher salary with actual and projected figures for the Southeastern average
Other Reports
School District Reimbursements for Teacher Step Increase - Act 3 of 2021
Act 3 of 2021 (H. 3609) requires the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office to determine the reimbursement to local districts based on the actual increased cost in salaries, including fringe, for eligible positions moving up one year on the State Minimum Salary Schedule.
Analysis of Teacher Salary Costs by Component
The Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office analyzed the change in the cost of teacher salaries by component over a five-year period from FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20. The three components that impact teacher salary are the number of teachers, changes to the state minimum salary schedule, and changes in the average degree classification and years of experience of teachers.
For General Questions
Fiscal Analysis
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