Teaching in public schools isn’t typically seen as a high-paying job. That’s likely a big reason many educators struggle to afford homes amidst rising living costs.
Kristen, a middle school teacher in Florida, recently shared her thoughts on this issue in a TikTok video titled “My little rant about teacher pay.” In it, she reflects on how her income hasn’t kept pace with skyrocketing real estate prices. “I bought my house in 2016 for around $160,000,” she noted. “Back then, I was earning about $40,000 as a teacher. Fast forward to 2025, and my house is valued at about $350,000 to $360,000. With my master’s degree, my salary is now roughly $54,000.”
Kristen clearly articulates her frustration: “How do people buy homes?” she asked. “How are people managing these prices?”
Her concerns resonate with the broader context. While some states have raised teacher salaries, the national average stands at $72,030. That’s still challenging when you consider inflation, as highlighted by the National Education Association. In fact, only a few states like Oklahoma and Idaho saw significant increases last year, and overall, teacher salaries are about 5% lower than a decade ago.
The video has sparked quite a discussion, amassing over 20,000 views, with many viewers, including fellow teachers, voicing similar frustrations about the pay situation. One teacher shared, “We can barely afford rent, let alone a home. It’s draining.” Another lamented, “No raise for nine years. We built our house in 2002, and we couldn’t even afford to build it again today.”
Yet, not everyone agrees with Kristen’s views. Some commenters questioned why she would be surprised about the challenges of homebuying given the known salary rates. “Didn’t you consider the pay before becoming a teacher?” asked one user.
In her defense, Kristen reminded viewers that teaching shouldn’t be pursued solely for financial gain. “If you want to be a teacher, do it to make a difference in children’s lives,” she encouraged. “Don’t expect to get rich; it’s about shaping the future of America.”
