A recent study conducted by Radius.ac has revealed that Rhode Island boasts the most experienced teachers in the United States, averaging an impressive 16.9 years of teaching experience. This figure is 16.55% above the national average of 14.5 years, highlighting the depth of experience found within the state’s educational workforce.
Following closely is Maine, ranking second with teachers averaging 16.1 years of experience—11.03% above the national benchmark. Maine’s educators demonstrate a strong commitment to their profession, with 51.2% having over 15 years of teaching under their belts.
New Hampshire takes the third spot, with an average of 15.9 years of experience, which is 9.66% above the national average. Notably, 52% of New Hampshire teachers are seasoned veterans with 15 or more years of experience, indicating a robust foundation of knowledge and skill in the state’s classrooms.
In fourth place, Ohio’s teachers average 15.7 years of experience, 8.28% above the national average. The state shows promising employee retention, with 52.4% of its teachers having taught for 15 years or more.
Connecticut and Pennsylvania tie for fifth, each averaging 15.6 years, and both registering 7.59% above the national norm. Interestingly, Pennsylvania showcases a particularly low percentage of newer teachers, with only 6.7% having three years or less of teaching experience.
Nebraska ranks sixth, with teachers averaging 15.5 years of experience, 6.90% above the national average. In Nebraska, 23.5% of teachers have spent 15 or more years at their current school, reflecting a level of stability within the profession.
Michigan is seventh with an average of 15.4 years of experience, while New York and Oklahoma share eighth place with 15.3 years each. New York’s teaching workforce remains strong, with 53.8% of teachers having over 15 years of experience, and Oklahoma showing similar strength with 51.6%.
Both Wyoming and Vermont tie for ninth, with teachers averaging 15.1 years and experience rates above the national average. Finally, a cluster of states, including Iowa, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Florida, tie for tenth place with teachers averaging 14.9 years of experience or more.
The research reveals compelling insights into teacher retention as well. Nevada tops the list for the highest percentage of teachers new to their schools, with 51.1% having taught at their current institution for three years or less. Conversely, New York leads in retention, boasting 35.4% of teachers who have remained at the same school for 15 years or more.
The findings underline the importance of experienced teachers in shaping effective educational environments and nurturing student success across the country.
Full State Rankings by Teacher Experience
| Rank | State | Average Total Years Teaching | Percentage from National Average | Teachers with 3 Years or Less Experience | Teachers with 15+ Years Experience |
| 1 | Utah | 12.1 | -16.55% | 16.0% | 34.7% |
| 2 | Mississippi | 12.5 | -13.79% | 18.4% | 38.0% |
| 3 | Arizona | 12.6 | -13.10% | 15.9% | 37.4% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 12.9 | -11.03% | 16.6% | 36.8% |
| 5 | Idaho | 13.0 | -10.34% | 16.4% | 39.0% |
| 5 | Missouri | 13.0 | -10.34% | 15.2% | 38.2% |
| 7 | Louisiana | 13.1 | -9.66% | 16.7% | 39.1% |
| 7 | North Carolina | 13.1 | -9.66% | 13.2% | 42.4% |
| 9 | Kentucky | 13.3 | -8.28% | 13.3% | 44.3% |
| 10 | Colorado | 13.6 | -6.21% | 13.7% | 43.1% |
| 10 | Nevada | 13.6 | -6.21% | 13.9% | 41.8% |
| 10 | Texas | 13.6 | -6.21% | 13.6% | 42.1% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 13.7 | -5.52% | 10.2% | 45.0% |
| 14 | Tennessee | 13.8 | -4.83% | 13.3% | 41.9% |
| 15 | Hawaii | 14.0 | -3.45% | 16.6% | 46.4% |
| 15 | Oregon | 14.0 | -3.45% | 12.9% | 45.8% |
| 17 | Delaware | 14.1 | -2.76% | 12.0% | 45.7% |
| 18 | Alabama | 14.2 | -2.07% | 10.3% | 46.1% |
| 18 | Georgia | 14.2 | -2.07% | 11.9% | 46.2% |
| 18 | Montana | 14.2 | -2.07% | 13.9% | 44.4% |
| 21 | West Virginia | 14.3 | -1.38% | 12.8% | 40.1% |
| 22 | Virginia | 14.4 | -0.69% | 12.8% | 46.6% |
| 23 | Alaska | 14.5 | 0.00% | 11.6% | 47.3% |
| 23 | Arkansas | 14.5 | 0.00% | 12.6% | 44.2% |
| 23 | South Carolina | 14.5 | 0.00% | 12.7% | 45.8% |
| 23 | United States | 14.5 | 0.00% | 11.8% | 46.9% |
| 27 | Illinois | 14.6 | 0.69% | 10.1% | 47.2% |
| 27 | New Mexico | 14.6 | 0.69% | 14.1% | 47.6% |
| 27 | South Dakota | 14.6 | 0.69% | 12.7% | 44.5% |
| 30 | Indiana | 14.7 | 1.38% | 14.2% | 46.4% |
| 30 | Kansas | 14.7 | 1.38% | 13.4% | 43.8% |
| 30 | New Jersey | 14.7 | 1.38% | 9.4% | 50.1% |
| 30 | Washington | 14.7 | 1.38% | 12.3% | 48.2% |
| 34 | Florida | 14.9 | 2.76% | 12.1% | 47.2% |
| 34 | Maryland | 14.9 | 2.76% | 11.1% | 51.9% |
| 34 | Wisconsin | 14.9 | 2.76% | 12.7% | 47.3% |
| 37 | Minnesota | 15.0 | 3.45% | 12.8% | 47.3% |
| 38 | California | 15.1 | 4.14% | 10.3% | 51.3% |
| 38 | Iowa | 15.1 | 4.14% | 10.4% | 46.2% |
| 38 | Vermont | 15.1 | 4.14% | 15.0% | 48.4% |
| 38 | Wyoming | 15.1 | 4.14% | 14.8% | 46.7% |
| 42 | New York | 15.3 | 5.52% | 7.5% | 53.8% |
| 42 | Oklahoma | 15.3 | 5.52% | 18.1% | 51.6% |
| 44 | Michigan | 15.4 | 6.21% | 11.3% | 53.8% |
| 45 | Nebraska | 15.5 | 6.90% | 14.5% | 48.5% |
| 46 | Connecticut | 15.6 | 7.59% | 7.5% | 52.6% |
| 46 | Pennsylvania | 15.6 | 7.59% | 6.7% | 53.5% |
| 48 | Ohio | 15.7 | 8.28% | 7.8% | 52.4% |
| 49 | New Hampshire | 15.9 | 9.66% | 11.9% | 52.0% |
| 50 | Maine | 16.1 | 11.03% | 10.2% | 51.2% |
| 51 | Rhode Island | 16.9 | 16.55% | 6.1% | 59.9% |
