How much do Midlands schools pay? Here are the starting salaries for new teachers
First-time teachers in South Carolina are some of the worst paid in the country.
As of the 2020-21 academic year, the state’s average starting salary was $37,704, according to the National Education Association. This is the tenth lowest in the US.
Last spring, state lawmakers raised the salary floor from $36,000 to $40,000 for educators with bachelor’s degrees but no post-graduate degrees. The figure represents salaries paid from state revenues; local districts can pay more.
They could see another increase in their state pay this year. Gov. Henry McMaster wants to raise teacher salaries by $2,500, as proposed in his executive budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
McMaster said he hopes to make the minimum starting salary $50,000 by 2026.
When it comes to starting teacher salaries, how do Midlands school districts stack up? Most offer slightly more than the state minimum.
▪ Richland 1 (downtown Columbia, Lower Richland, St. Andrews): $41,760
▪ Richland 2 (northeast Richland County): $41,821
▪ Lexington 1 (central Lexington County): $41,410
▪ Lexington 2 (Cayce, West Columbia): $41,500
▪ Lexington 3 (Batesburg-Leesville): $42,183
▪ Lexington 4 (Gaston, Swansea): $43,235
▪ Lexington-Richland 5 (Irmo, Chapin, Dutch Fork): $41,600
▪ Kershaw: $40,745
▪ Sumter: $40,000
▪ Fairfield: $41,295
▪ Orangeburg: $40,800
▪ Newberry: $40,850
▪ Saluda: $43,102
While experts say the leading cause of teachers leaving the profession is working conditions, pay is also a significant factor.
This story was originally published January 12, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
