Elementary School Teacher Salary in 2026
How Much Do Elementary School Teachers Make?
Elementary School Teachers earn a median annual salary of $62,340 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $46,440 at the 10th percentile to $102,010 at the 90th percentile — a range of $55,570. The highest-paying state is Washington at $99,110.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,440 |
| 25th percentile | $50,680 |
| Median (50th) | $62,340 |
| 75th percentile | $79,410 |
| 90th percentile | $102,010 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $99,110 |
| California | $98,190 |
| District of Columbia | $94,730 |
| Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| New York | $82,480 |
| Connecticut | $78,740 |
| New Jersey | $77,150 |
| Alaska | $76,290 |
| Oregon | $75,800 |
| Maryland | $74,720 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,160 |
| Delaware | $66,390 |
| New Mexico | $65,510 |
| Ohio | $65,380 |
| New Hampshire | $64,430 |
| Illinois | $64,160 |
| Georgia | $63,490 |
| Minnesota | $63,120 |
| Nevada | $62,420 |
| Michigan | $62,350 |
| Maine | $62,300 |
| Virginia | $62,270 |
| Utah | $61,710 |
| Nebraska | $61,700 |
| Wyoming | $61,560 |
| Colorado | $61,550 |
| Texas | $61,380 |
| Vermont | $61,270 |
| Wisconsin | $60,690 |
| Hawaii | $60,420 |
| Alabama | $59,850 |
| Idaho | $59,620 |
| South Carolina | $59,370 |
| Indiana | $58,370 |
| Kentucky | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,820 |
| Montana | $56,200 |
| Florida | $55,550 |
| West Virginia | $55,550 |
| Iowa | $55,540 |
| Tennessee | $52,690 |
| Louisiana | $52,280 |
| Arizona | $50,980 |
| Kansas | $50,820 |
| Arkansas | $50,550 |
| North Carolina | $49,400 |
| South Dakota | $49,110 |
| Mississippi | $48,440 |
| Missouri | $48,250 |
| Oklahoma | $47,470 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Elementary School Teachers
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$46,440 – $50,680 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$62,340 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$79,410 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $102,010+ |
How to Earn More as an Elementary School Teacher
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Elementary School Teachers in Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA earn $103,580 — $41,240 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($79,410) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Elementary School Teacher Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacherthis career | $62,340 |
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | $104,070 |
| Education Teacher | $72,090 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teacher | $80,190 |
| Preschool Teacher | $37,120 |
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SOC: 25-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.