Elementary School Teacher Salary in 2026
Median Salary
$61,350
$5,113/mo
Entry Level
$40,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$80,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Elementary School Teacher Overview
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Total Jobs (US)
1.8M
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$29.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,113
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
$66,000
$5,500/month · $2,538/biweekly · $31.73/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 $92,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Elementary School Teachers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $72,000 | +$10,650 |
| New York | $71,000 | +$9,650 |
| Illinois | $64,000 | +$2,650 |
| Texas | $60,000 | $-1,350 |
| Florida | $60,000 | $-1,350 |
Top Paying Cities for Elementary School Teachers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $72,000 | +$10,650 |
| Los Angeles | $69,000 | +$7,650 |
| Chicago | $64,000 | +$2,650 |
| Houston | $61,000 | $-350 |
| Phoenix | $60,000 | $-1,350 |
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
$60,000
3-7 years
$80,000
8-14 years
$104,000
15+ years
Related Education Jobs
Elementary School Teacher Salary FAQ
How much does a Elementary School Teacher make in 2026?
The median salary for a Elementary School Teacher in the United States is $61,350 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $40,000, while senior professionals earn up to $80,000. Top earners in the field can make $104,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Elementary School Teacher?
A Elementary School Teacher typically requires a Bachelor's degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork. Relevant certifications such as can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Elementary School Teachers?
The job market for Elementary School Teachers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 1.8M Elementary School Teacher positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Elementary School Teachers the most?
The highest-paying states for Elementary School Teachers include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $72,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Elementary School Teacher salary?
To increase your Elementary School Teacher salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Communication and Problem solving. Pursue certifications such as industry-specific credentials. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $40,000 to $80,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Elementary School Teacher Salary
How we calculate Elementary School Teacher salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $61,350 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Elementary School Teacher in the sector.
- Entry-level ($40,000) and senior-level ($80,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 1.8M total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $61,350.
Authoritative US data sources for Elementary School Teacher compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Elementary School Teacher job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Elementary School Teacher salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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