Teachers: average benefits up 9 percent in two years
Teachers: average benefits up 9 percent in two years
By JILL DENNING GACKLE
Pay hikes for teachers grew in the single digits over the past years. If the governor has his way there will be more pay increases tied to students’ successes.
Salary increases and benefit packages for area teachers increased an average of 9 percent in the past two years, according to recently released data from the state Department of Public Instruction.
An analysis of 22 area school districts found the average base salary, without benefits, was $35,873. The statewide average base salary was $40,284, 11 percent more than the area average.
The same schools have an average compensation of $50,997, while statewide the average compensation was $55,405, 8 percent more than the 22 area schools.
Beulah has the highest average base salary this school year with $43,779, while Goodrich had the lowest at $30,035. Base salaries of the 22 schools increased an average of 5.5 percent between the 2007-2008 school year and the 2009-2010 school year, according to the state survey.
Once benefits of insurance and pensions were added, the biggest compensation package was for South Prairie teachers with an average of $60,369. The lowest compensation package was at Wing with an average compensation package of $42,528.
Statewide, the average base salary increased $2,808, or 7 percent between the 2007-2008 school year and this school year, while the average total compensation was up 8 percent, or $4,645 more than two years ago.
The highest salaries statewide go to the teachers in larger cities, although Watford City to the west and Grafton to the east had the distinction of setting salaries comparable to the cities. Watford City had an average base salary of $48,669 with total compensation of $70,433. Grafton’s average base was $53,395 with a total compensation of $65,435.
The study also showed that there are 278 more teachers (or full-time equivalents) than two years ago. There are currently 8,199 teachers (or full-time equivalents) statewide. Health insurance increased 12 percent over the past years.
