New Jersey teachers — long among the best paid in the country — have slipped a little in the rankings over recent years, now seventh highest at an average salary of $81,102 in the 2022-23 school year, according to the National Education Association.

The top-ranking salaries are all at least $10,000 more, led by California ($95,160), New York ($92,696) and Massachusetts ($92,307). The lowest are South Dakota ($53,153) and Florida $53,098).

As pay has increased, read NJ Spotlight News’ coverage of one rising cost that continues to come out of many teachers’ wallets: school supplies.