Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Teacher Compensation Varies Among School Districts, But Daily Pay Compares Well to Other Occupations

Report 04-36, June 2004

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Report Summary

  • The median total teacher compensation in Florida, including salary, benefits, and supplements, was approximately $47,000 in 2002-03. Nationally reported state rankings of teacher compensation often do not provide sufficient and reliable information needed to compare Florida teacher pay to teacher pay in other states.
  • Teacher compensation levels vary significantly among school districts, even after adjusting for teacher characteristics and regional economic and demographic characteristics. By far, the most significant factors influencing a teacher's pay are the number of years of teaching experience and educational attainment.
  • After adjusting for the number of days worked per year, Florida's teacher salary levels compare favorably to the salaries of psychologists, registered nurses, accountants, librarians, and police officers.

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Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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