School Employee Average Wage Increase Overall:
The Ohio State Employment Relations Board (SERB) released the annual wage settlement report for 2024 on March 1, 2025. The report shows wages increased more in 2024 than in any other year since 2015, nearly across the board. Teacher wages increased an average of 3.17% and non-teacher school employee wages increased an average of 3.07%. This is the first time since 2015 that school employee wage increases were 3% or higher; in 2023 the state saw an increase of 2.96% for teachers and 2.86% for non-teachers. However, put into context, of the categories of employees reported on (Police (Safety/Security), Fire, Blue-Collar, Other), school employees saw the smallest percentage of wage increase and the statewide average wage increase was 3.42%.
The report’s predictions for 2025 and 2026 show a slight slowdown in wage growth for school employees but the actual results will not be known until March 2026.
School Employee Average Wage Increase By Region:
The 2024 Wage Settlement Report also breaks down the average wage increases by state regions. Below are the average wage increases by region:
- Akron/Canton: 3.14%
- Cincinnati: 3.64%
- Cleveland: 3.29%
- Columbus: 3.66%
- Dayton: 3.34%
- Southeast Ohio: 3.67%
- Toledo: 3.59%
- Warren/Youngstown: 3.03%
Of the state regions, two regions saw wages increase at a slower rate in 2024 than in 2023. Akron/Canton 2023 average increase was 3.24% and Warren/Youngstown 2023 average increase was 3.07%.
Districts statewide are also carefully watching the state biennium budget bill. Initial projections on revenue from both the Governor’s proposal as well as the version of the budget bill adopted by the Ohio House show concerning numbers for many schools. The budget bill will also likely influence wages moving forward.
What does this mean for your school district?
With 2024 seeing the largest school employee wage increases since 2015, your school is likely feeling that as well and may feel it more if you’re in the process of, or about to begin bargaining for a new agreement. Going into bargaining, consider the region of your school as well to consider what other schools around you are potentially doing or considering doing for wage increases. Talk to your attorney if you have any specific questions regarding the 2024 wage settlement report and what it means for your school.