Professional Pay

South Carolina is facing a historic educator and school staff shortage crisis.

In a 2022 nationwide study, increased pay was the number one factor to address burnout and increase retention according to surveyed educators and school staff.

In the most recent Ranking of the States report from the National Education Association, South Carolina was one of only three states to decline in average teacher salary change before adjusting for inflation. In fact, South Carolina ranks 49th for salary change for education support professionals (ESP) and 50th for teacher salary change.

Wages for educators and education support professionals also both fall far below the minimum livable wage for South Carolina’s most affordable metro areas according to the Economic Policy Institute.

The charge of the General Assembly is clear.

For the state to become competitive and attract and retain the most talented educators and ESPs, a fully funded investment in raises to a minimum $52,000 for all teachers and a minimum of $38,000 for all support staff must be made. In addition, the state must add and fund step increases to year 30 to ensure all districts may better retain veteran educators.