Missouri Teacher Salaries: What You Need to Know

Bookended on either side by the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas, Missouri is known for farmland, beautiful Ozark nature, BBQ, and a storied jazz history. With a wide variety of community types and student populations, the state also has 2,261 schools across 518 districts, giving teachers plenty of opportunities to make an impact on the community of their choice.

Coincidentally, it costs much less to live in Missouri than in other areas of the United States. But what does that mean for teachers? How much do Missouri teachers earn, and how can teachers in the Show Me State advance their salaries along with their careers?

Starting Teacher Salary in Missouri   

The average starting teacher salary in Missouri is $38,871, according to the National Education Association. That puts Missouri at No. 49 in the country, meaning 48 states provide higher starting salaries for teachers. 

In recent years, the state has worked to address this by increasing starting teacher salaries. This is critical, because while the cost of living is low in Missouri, the starting teacher salary is still much lower than the minimum living wage in the state. (The minimum living wage in Missouri is $57,382, per the NEA — $18,511 more than the starting teacher salary.)

Average Teacher Salary in Missouri 

The average teacher salary in Missouri, taking into account all experience levels, is $55,132. While that’s nearly $20,000 higher than the state’s starting teacher salary, it’s still ranked No. 49 in the country, according to the NEA, and $2,250 short of the state’s minimum living wage.  

Of course, these are averages, and your specific salary will vary depending on your district, education level, title, and other factors. Teachers in Missouri also receive benefits including health and life insurance and are enrolled in the state pension program.

Average Teacher Salary in Missouri vs. the National Average  

Teachers in Missouri are paid less than teachers in other states. The national average teacher salary is $46,526 for starting teachers and $72,030 for teachers at all experience levels. That means that in Missouri, starting teachers earn $7,655 less than average and teachers overall earn $16,898 less than the national average. Again, specific salaries will vary from district to district across the state. 

Variation in Teacher Salaries Across Missouri 

Teacher salaries can vary widely in schools and districts across Missouri. For example, according to a state report, in 2024-2025, teachers in Adair County earned a minimum of $40,000. In comparison, the minimum salary in Brentwood was $45,298 while the minimum salary in Clarksburg was $35,250. Salary variations will depend on local education funding and decisions.

Factors Influencing Teacher Salaries in Missouri  

Several key factors influence teacher salaries in Missouri, including:  

• Regional differences: Some areas of Missouri have higher teacher salaries than others, depending on local decisions and education funding.
• Education level: Teachers with higher credentials, such as a master’s degree or National Board Certification, move up “steps” in the district pay matrix and earn higher salaries. For example, in Clark County, the salary difference between having a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree is $1,700.
• Years of experience: Districts in Missouri have a salary minimum and maximum. As teachers gain years of experience, they move up the salary schedule.
• Specialty areas: Teachers who fill high-need areas, such as special education or STEM, may receive additional pay.
• Teaching certification: Teachers who have earned their full certification will earn more than teachers who have not.
• Collective bargaining: Teacher’s unions have a presence in Missouri, and areas with strong unions typically have higher pay rates than areas without strong unions.

Advancing Beyond Average Teacher Salary in Missouri 

Many Missouri teachers earn additional money beyond their salary. In fact, state data shows that 40% of teachers earned an average of $5,097 in supplemental pay in 2022-2023. Below are a few ways for Missouri teachers to increase their earnings and advance their careers:  

• Join the Career Ladder Program: The Missouri Career Ladder Program provides additional pay for teachers who engage in additional work or training.
• Earn additional certifications or advanced degrees: Earning a Master’s in Education or becoming National Board Certified can boost a teacher’s salary and expand career opportunities.
• Pursue leadership roles: A role such as instructional coach, grade-level chair, or department head can come with additional pay. Moreland’s Master’s in Educational Leadership provides teachers with the credential and skills to advance into leadership roles.
• Cover summer school or additional classes: Teachers can earn additional money by teaching summer school or covering classes. 

Budget and Funding Factors in Missouri 

Teacher salaries in Missouri are funded through state and local funding; only 15% of education funding comes from the federal government. This means that teacher salaries are decided at the local level and set by each district. Federal aid that is added to district budgets typically supports teacher compensation in Title 1 schools, special education, and federal programs that are implemented at the local level.

Grow Your Missouri Teaching Salary with Moreland University 

Missouri teachers can enjoy the state’s laid-back lifestyle in small towns or big cities like St. Louis or Kansas City. For teachers, the Show Me State can be a great place to build a career and make a positive lasting impact on student lives.

Whether you’re just beginning your teaching career or ready to advance, Moreland University provides the expertise and flexibility to help you succeed. You could earn your teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland or your certification plus an M.Ed. in as little as 12 months. Moreland’s programs are fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.

Ready to take the next step? Apply for free today (takes less than 15 minutes), and you‘ll hear back within 2 business days.