Teachers Unions Collect $724 Million a Year in Dues From Taxpayer-Funded Salaries

Top leaders at the two largest national teachers unions earn more than $500,000 a year in salary and benefits — while the average starting teacher salary sits at $48,000. The Center Square education reporter Esther Wickham joins The States to break down union executive compensation, membership dues, and student outcomes in the first installment of a week-long series on teachers unions. Key figures cited: - NEA President Rebecca Pringle earns roughly $514,755 annually (including about $149,000 in benefits/other compensation) - AFT President Randi Weingarten earns approximately $514,488 - The NEA vice president earns $416,000 - The AFT vice president earns $343,000 - The average teacher salary nationally is cited at $74,000, with a $48,000 average starting salary. The segment also covers union revenue from membership dues — the NEA collects an estimated $454 million annually, the AFT approximately $274 million — funded through payroll-deducted dues from public school (taxpayer-funded) salaries. Wickham cites 2025 NAEP data showing roughly 30% proficiency nationally among K-12 students in core subjects, and includes critical commentary from Lance Izumi, director of education at the Pacific Research Institute. Read more at thecentersquare.com.