Illinois Ranked a Top Five State for Teachers in 2025

I firmly believe that teachers aren't paid enough for the incredibly important jobs they do, but a recent study just found that Illinois teachers are paid more, and treated better than educators in most other states.

Respect for Illinois Teachers

As the daughter of a retired Illinois teacher, I know firsthand how much passion, energy, and sacrifice goes into education. I grew up watching my mom grade papers at night, worry about her students, take classes every summer, and spend her own money preparing for the upcoming school year.

READ MORE: 3 Illinois Suburbs Named Among America's Best

Teaching isn't a job you can simply clock in and out of every day. It takes heart, dedication, a constant thirst for knowledge, and the ability to adapt to new things all the time. Teaching should be one of the highest paid professions in this country, but sadly, it is not.

Best States For Teachers in 2025

My mom has been retired for over a decade now, and her mind is often blown by how much education has changed in the last 10+ years. To put it simply, teaching is so much harder these days, but apparently, it's a little easier if you're a teacher in Illinois.

WalletHub recently published a survey that listed Illinois as one of the top five states for teachers in 2025.

Illinois ranked fifth overall, behind Virginia, Utah, Washington, and New York at the top of the list. These states earned their recognition thanks to strong teacher compensation, tenure protections, investments in schools, and policies that support teachers and reduce turnover.

Here's where Illinois landed on WalletHub's list of annual salaries for teachers:

Teachers are in high demand throughout the United States right now, so if you know someone who is considering becoming a teacher, encourage them to build their career in Illinois, and remind them that the job isn't just about filling young minds with knowledge. It's also about playing an important role in shaping who these children become, and that is the hardest and most worthy role of all.