Test Prep Insight, an online education company, carried out a survey of 3,042 respondents to explore the question regarding pay. The results are the opinion of Test Prep Insight.:

Teachers and other public sector workers are among the most respected professions in society, yet they remain notoriously underpaid. Countless reports highlight the financial struggles many educators face despite their vital contributions to our communities. Additionally, other public sector jobs such as firefighters, public defenders, nurses, and even park rangers belong in this category. But what if they were paid what they truly deserve?

  • Poll of 3,042 respondents asks how much they think public sector workers should be paid.
  • North Dakota teachers emerged as the profession most in need of a pay raise.
  • Interactive map included.

Test Prep Insight, an online education company, carried out a thought-provoking survey of 3,042 respondents to explore this question by asking them:

How much do you think teachers and other public sector workers should be paid?

The public sector careers that deserve the biggest pay increases:

1. Teachers: $16,979
2. Postal Workers: $16,400.00
3. EMTs: $15,450.00
4. Public Transportation Drivers: $12,100.00
5. Park Rangers: $8,450.00
6. Firefighters: $7,272.73
7. Sanitation: $6,575.00

Interactive map showing how much people in each state believe teachers should be paid (click on ’embed’ to host on your site)

The Wage Gap in Education
On average, Americans think teachers should earn an additional $17,344 per year. However, the disparity is more pronounced in certain states. In the Peace Garden State, the public polled believe that their teachers should earn $62,500 – significantly more than the average $45,521 state salary (Talent.com) – a difference of $16,979.

Beyond Teachers: Other Public Sector Workers
The survey also explored compensation for other essential North Dakota public sector workers, revealing significant perceived wage gaps. After teachers, postal workers emerged as the profession most in need of a pay raise, with respondents suggesting they should earn $16,400 more than their current salary. EMTs, public transportation drivers, park rangers, firefighters and sanitation workers were also identified as underpaid, with suggested increases ranging from $6,575 to $16,400. 

What’s Driving Low Public Sector Pay?
The survey sought to understand what factors contribute most to these wage disparities. A significant 38% of respondents attributed it to political decision-making, while 30% pointed to broader economic conditions within their states. Budget constraints in education accounted for 18% of responses, whereas unions and collective bargaining played a much smaller perceived role at just 8%.

Valuing Educators’ Contributions
Beyond salary concerns, the North Dakota public recognizes the vital roles teachers play in shaping society. The most valued contributions:

  • Preparing the next generation for the workforce – 39%
  • Supporting students’ emotional and social development – 26%
  • Providing mentorship and role models – 25%
  • Addressing inequities in education – 10%

The Impact of Higher Pay on Education
Would increased teacher salaries make a tangible difference in education quality? According to the survey, 52% believe higher wages would attract and retain better-qualified educators, while 30% think it would improve the overall quality of education. A smaller percentage (10%) felt it would increase respect for the profession, and only 8% believed it would make no significant difference.

How to Bridge the Pay Gap
To address these pay discrepancies, respondents were asked which measures they would support:

  • Allocating more federal funds for teacher salaries – 38%
  • Reallocating state budgets to prioritize education – 32%
  • Reducing administrative overhead to fund salaries – 28%
  • Raising property taxes to increase education funding – 2%

A Personal Connection to Financial Struggles
The financial challenges faced by teachers are not just abstract statistics—many people have witnessed them firsthand. Over half (52%) of respondents reported personally knowing a teacher who has struggled financially despite their profession. 

“Public sector workers, especially teachers, play an invaluable role in shaping our communities, yet their compensation fails to reflect their contributions,” says Matt Ross of Test Prep Insight. “Our survey results highlight the public’s growing recognition of this issue and the urgent need for change. It’s time for meaningful policy discussions that prioritize fair wages for those who dedicate their lives to public service.”