How Much Should ND Teachers Make? The Public Weighs In

We all know teachers don’t get paid nearly enough—but how much more should they be making? A new survey from Test Prep Insight asked over 3,000 people across the country, and North Dakotans had a clear answer: about $16,979 more per year.

Right now, the average teacher salary in North Dakota sits at $45,521 (according to Talent.com). But the people polled think it should be closer to $62,500. That’s a big gap, but not nearly as shocking as Montana, where people believe teachers should be making $75,000—a $35,385 difference!

Not Just Teachers

The survey also looked at other public sector workers, and EMTs topped the list as the most underpaid. Respondents said they should be making $15,450 more per year. Firefighters, postal workers, and even park rangers also made the list, with suggested raises between $8,450 and $16,400.

So Why Are Public Sector Wages So Low?

When asked what’s holding salaries back, people pointed to politics (38%), state budget issues (30%), and underfunded education (18%).

Get our free mobile app

Would Better Pay Make a Difference?

Most people think so! Over half (52%) believe raising teacher pay would attract and keep better educators, and 30% say it would improve education overall.

How Do We Fix It?

The top suggestions were:

• More federal funding for teacher salaries (38%)
• Shifting state budgets to prioritize education (32%)
• Cutting admin costs to pay teachers more (28%)

I See This Firsthand

I have friends who are teachers, and I’ve seen how much they put into their jobs—way beyond just teaching. They’re even paying for supplies out of their own pockets. Whether it’s books, art materials, or even snacks for kids who don’t have enough at home, teachers constantly go the extra mile. And they're doing it all on salaries that don’t reflect the amount of work they put in.

What do you think—should North Dakota teachers get a raise?