SALT LAKE CITY—In an effort to bolster education, the legislature approved an increase to teacher salaries and education support staff during the 2025 session. Teachers will receive a direct salary increase of $1,446 and a $1,000 bonus for education support staff. School districts will receive a 4% funding increase to give another boost for all employees.  

“We’ve been trying to raise teacher salaries for how long now?” said Senate President J. Stuart Adams. “I think 2023 is when we did the $6,000. We did more in 2024. We’ve been consistent in trying to raise teachers’ salaries.”

The starting salary for a teacher was about $44,000 in 2020. In 2024, it was nearly $60,000. With this year’s direct increase that number will increase even more. Utah is No. 2 in education and among the highest starting salaries for teachers in the West, according to a legislative release. 

Proposed funding education highlights include:

• $50 million – $1,446 salary increase for teachers 
• $1,000 direct salary increase, $446 for the educator salary adjustment included in the base budget
• $50 million – $1,000 bonus for educator support staff 
• $178 million – 4% funding increase to raise salaries for all school district employees 
• $77.7 million – Educator professional time
• $65 million – Career and Technical Education Catalyst grant program
• $14.3 million – Teachers’ supplies and materials 
• $12.4 million – Stipends for Future Educators grants for student teachers
• $7.3 million – Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline Grant Program
• $795,700 – Support for professional liability insurance premiums for Utah educators 

“Teachers change lives, and they deserve to be valued, supported, and paid fairly for their incredible work,” said Gov. Spencer Cox. “This investment is another step in our commitment to ensuring Utah remains among the best places in the nation to teach and learn. This is not just about funding education; it’s about the future of our students, families and communities – built here.”

“We deeply care for teachers,” said Adams. “The success of our students and educators is the foundation of Utah’s prosperity and essential to making the Utah Dream a reality for all. These investments and rankings are more than just numbers – they reflect the real impact of prioritizing Utah’s teachers, who help shape the next generation of leaders.”

“To our teachers and education support professionals: We see the dedication, passion, and sacrifice you pour into your classrooms, and we want to say, ‘Thank you,’” said Speaker Mike Schultz. “We’re working hard to support you and give you the resources you need to succeed.”