Elementary School Teacher Salary in 2026
Elementary school teachers teach fundamental subjects to young students, fostering academic, social, and emotional development. They create engaging lessons for diverse learners.
Median Salary
$59,000
$4,917/mo
Entry Level
$40,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$77,000
experienced
Job Growth
+1%
10-yr outlook
Elementary School Teacher Overview
Elementary school teachers teach fundamental subjects to young students, fostering academic, social, and emotional development. They create engaging lessons for diverse learners.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
1.4M
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$28.37/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,917
Elementary School Teacher Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Elementary School Teacher salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Elementary School Teacher Salary
$64,000
$5,333/month · $2,462/biweekly · $30.77/hr
Elementary School Teacher Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Elementary School Teacher field.
Entry-level Elementary School Teachers earn around $40,000, while the top 10% earn $81,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Elementary School Teachers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $70,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $68,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $61,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $58,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $58,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Elementary School Teachers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $70,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $66,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $62,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $60,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $58,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Elementary School Teacher Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Elementary School Teacher from entry level to expert.
$40,000
0-2 years
$59,000
3-7 years
$77,000
8-14 years
$86,000
15+ years
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Elementary School Teacher Salary FAQ
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