Florida is and always has been a low wage state, thanks in part to retirees who make up a significant portion of our population. The economy here is heavily service industry type jobs. Outside of healthcare related services, there just aren't that many high paying jobs. I tell people this when they first move here, don't be surprised to find the checkout clerk at the grocery store has a degree. It's been this way my whole life and I don't see it changing anytime soon. While I believe most people agree teacher salaries are low, in many parts of the state, it's above the average.