Geography Teachers Salary by State
The national median pay for geography teachers is $97,590 a year. By state, it ranges from $72,300 in Nebraska to $146,040 in California.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $52,550
- 25th percentile
- $74,690
- Median
- $97,590
- 75th percentile
- $123,900
- Top 10%
- $165,460
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 3,330 jobs.
Median pay in 28 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $146,040 | +50% | $70,410 | $250,700 | 280 |
| 2 | Oregon | $113,500 | +16% | $37,990 | $190,300 | 180 |
| 3 | Vermont | $107,790 | +10% | $67,250 | $126,890 | 40 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $105,470 | +8% | $63,640 | $165,010 | 40 |
| 5 | Maryland | $103,430 | +6% | $81,370 | $200,270 | 110 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $101,870 | +4% | $66,930 | $160,020 | 60 |
| 7 | Illinois | $100,790 | +3% | $50,960 | $134,920 | 140 |
| 8 | New York | $100,420 | +3% | $58,660 | $165,460 | 200 |
| 9 | Texas | $99,510 | +2% | $61,480 | $165,300 | 180 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $97,120 | 0% | $50,300 | $132,230 | 220 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $95,890 | −2% | $71,840 | $131,220 | 120 |
| 12 | Washington | $90,550 | −7% | $55,170 | $119,940 | 100 |
| 13 | New Mexico | $89,060 | −9% | $61,540 | $128,560 | 30 |
| 14 | Kentucky | $86,790 | −11% | $54,150 | $124,430 | 50 |
| 15 | South Carolina | $85,810 | −12% | $55,670 | $156,800 | 80 |
| 16 | Georgia | $85,420 | −12% | $51,910 | $133,990 | 60 |
| 17 | North Carolina | $84,630 | −13% | $52,810 | $132,370 | 160 |
| 18 | Oklahoma | $84,170 | −14% | $63,720 | $109,430 | 50 |
| 19 | Missouri | $83,530 | −14% | $66,030 | $128,260 | 40 |
| 20 | Indiana | $82,830 | −15% | $39,230 | $174,330 | 70 |
| 21 | Arizona | $82,510 | −15% | $76,860 | $138,740 | 110 |
| 22 | Michigan | $81,380 | −17% | $39,640 | $127,560 | 80 |
| 23 | Ohio | $81,290 | −17% | $40,700 | $118,080 | 150 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $81,220 | −17% | $52,120 | $118,760 | 80 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $78,710 | −19% | $62,090 | $178,110 | 70 |
| 26 | New Jersey | $78,540 | −20% | $32,220 | $196,850 | 50 |
| 27 | Mississippi | $75,130 | −23% | $48,150 | $134,670 | 50 |
| 28 | Nebraska | $72,300 | −26% | $36,800 | $96,450 | 40 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Geography Teachers salary questions
Which state pays geography teachers the most?
California, with a median of $146,040 a year (+50% vs. the national median of $97,590). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays geography teachers the least?
Nebraska, with a median of $72,300 a year (−26% vs. national).
Where do most geography teachers work?
California has the most jobs, about 280, with a median of $146,040.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.