Photo: Signs in a school tout a school supply drive in 2018 (Photo: Office of the Governor)
Teachers across North Carolina are among the nation’s top spenders on classroom supplies, with a recent survey by CouponBirds finding they now spend an average of $1,632 annually. The state’s teachers’ expenses are nearly on par with those in Pennsylvania, which topped the list at $1,637.
This is also an increase from last year, when North Carolina teachers spent about $1,300 of their own money on school supplies, and ranked as the fourth highest in the country for out-of-pocket expenses.
Nationwide, teachers shelled out an average of $1,021 this year, a 12% jump from 2024’s figure of $915.
Arizona and Texas also saw substantial teacher spending, at $1,581 and $1,550 respectively, while Nebraska reported the lowest at a still significant $473, according to the survey.
The survey, conducted this month, shows increases across nearly all metrics. It comes as reports show teachers earn 73 cents for every dollar made by similarly educated professionals, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Teachers nationwide expect to spend 12% more on classroom supplies compared to last year, according to the report. These rising costs are adding financial pressure on teachers already stretched thin. In North Carolina, the average teacher salary for the 2023-24 school year was $58,292, placing the state 43rd nationally, according to the National Education Association’s report released in April 2025. This figure is nearly $14,000 below the national average of $72,030. The state also ranks 37th in the nation for per-student-spending.
Teachers are spending more than ever to outfit their classrooms, with many covering costs that go well beyond pencils and paper. According to the survey, 98% of educators nationwide report buying consumable supplies out of pocket, while 80% purchase classroom decor and 72% invest in educational aids such as books and games. More than a third also pay for snacks, cleaning products or first aid supplies.
A large majority of educators, 82%, said their classroom’s learning environment would suffer if they didn’t use their own money to purchase school supplies.
Parents across the country are also bracing for higher expenses. They expect to spend an average of $774 per child on back-to-school necessities this year, a 10% increase over 2024.
The survey included responses from 2,500 teachers and 2,500 parents of school-aged children, with each group drawing 50 participants from each state.
Key takeaways from the CouponBird study:
Teachers now average $1,021 in annual out-of-pocket classroom spending, up 12% from 2024’s already hefty $915. Pennsylvania teachers top the list at $1,637 out of pocket, while Nebraska educators spend the least at $473. Thirty percent of teachers work second jobs to afford classroom expenses, up from 26% in 2024. Parents expect to spend an average of $774 per child on back-to-school necessities, a 10% jump from 2024. Thirty percent of teachers and 31% of parents pick up a second job or side hustle to cover costs, both up from last year’s reported 26% for teachers and 28% for parentsHence then, the article about survey nc teachers bear nation s second highest classroom supply costs was published today ( ) and is available on NC news line ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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