Missouri: education overview
Average teacher salary $57,366 (2024-25), #48 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 2,473 | 630 |
| Students | 889,059 | 110,740 |
| Share of students | 89% | 11% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 518
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 69,838
- Public school students
- 889,059
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
Most Missouri students are in K–12 districts with a common teacher pay framework, but some elementary-only districts send older pupils to another district rather than maintaining a parallel high-school district system. Districts set local schedules and teachers have collective-bargaining rights; from 2025–26 the state requires at least $40,000, with a higher minimum for qualifying experienced teachers with master’s degrees.
Separate high school districts: noStatewide salary schedule: minimumSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want K–12 districts with local schedules, a raised state minimum salary, and an affordable cost of living.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.