Teacher salaries rise in Utah as state prioritizes education funding

SALT LAKE CITY—Utah teachers are getting another pay raise this year, as state leaders continue to make education funding a priority. Governor Spencer Cox and the Utah Legislature have announced that all teachers will receive a $1,446 direct salary increase, as well as a $1,000 bonus for education support staff.

In addition to the direct salary increase, school districts will also receive $178 million to further increase salaries for all school employees.

“Teachers change lives, and they deserve to be valued, supported, and paid fairly for their incredible work,” said Governor Spencer Cox. “This investment is another step in our commitment to ensuring Utah remains among the best places in the nation to teach and learn. This is not just about funding education; it’s about the future of our students, families and communities – built here.”

Starting teacher salaries in Utah will be even higher following this year’s direct salary increase. In FY 2020, starting teachers made around $44,000. In FY 2024, that number increased to nearly $60,000.

Beyond salary increases, Utah has also implemented a number of initiatives over the past four years to support teachers and improve student outcomes. These include:

• $6,000 direct compensation raises for teachers
• Four additional teacher preparation days each year
• Up to $500 stipend for classroom supplies
• Expanded paid maternity leave
• $6,000 stipend for student teachers
• Funding for two cohorts of new teachers through Grow Your Own Educator program
• A hotline to help teachers navigate administrative challenges
• Additional compensation for high-performing teachers
• Simplified teacher evaluations
• Salary bonuses for teachers in high-poverty schools
• $80 million for educators to help at-risk students
• Funding for optional full-day Kindergarten statewide
• MASTER teacher program, allowing teachers to earn more while staying in the classroom
• Ensuring teachers aren’t penalized for chronically absent students

According to the Governor’s office, these efforts have helped Utah achieve the No. 2 ranking in education nationwide. The state also has the second-highest starting salaries for teachers in the West.