Alabama lawmakers are deciding whether to give teachers and state education employees a raise in 2026. Average teacher pay in the state is $62,659, according to the state’s budget office. That number includes people with decades of experience and doctorate degrees. The base starting pay for a first-year teacher is $47,600 for 2025-26; some local districts pay more. Alabama’s 140 state lawmakers will earn $66,659 in 2026. If a teacher only makes the state minimum and does not receive any additional local dollars or bonuses, they must be a 30-year veteran in order to make as much as a lawmaker. State education employees did not get a raise in 2025; the state worked on paid leave instead, as well as $200 million for a new school choice program. Between 2024 and 2026, inflation has increased 3%. Education advocates are asking for at least a 2% raise, plus help on insurance premium costs. Reporting by Ruth Serven Smith Read more on AL.com #salary #alabama #teachers #teacherpay #educ...