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The average salary for a 5th grade teacher is $46,300 per year. This figure can fluctuate significantly based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and education level. For instance, teachers in higher-cost states often earn more to accommodate living expenses.
In states like California and New York, salaries can exceed $60,000, while other regions may offer lower compensation. Salary estimates from various sources highlight the disparities across the country, emphasizing the need for educators to research their specific areas.
As teachers gain experience, their salaries typically increase, making it beneficial to stay informed about salary trends. Additionally, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can lead to higher pay and job opportunities.
Understanding the salary landscape for 5th grade teachers is crucial for current and aspiring educators. By staying informed and exploring various opportunities, teachers can enhance their career prospects and earning potential.
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The average 5th grade teacher salary in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average 5th grade teacher salary states are Idaho, South Dakota, and Missouri.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $60,413 | $29.04 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $61,192 | $29.42 |
| 3 | Maryland | $57,179 | $27.49 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $61,026 | $29.34 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $60,656 | $29.16 |
| 6 | Michigan | $53,009 | $25.49 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $55,377 | $26.62 |
| 8 | New York | $55,011 | $26.45 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $49,507 | $23.80 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $48,483 | $23.31 |
| 11 | New Mexico | $46,923 | $22.56 |
| 12 | Illinois | $48,493 | $23.31 |
| 13 | California | $55,056 | $26.47 |
| 14 | Oregon | $51,393 | $24.71 |
| 15 | Texas | $45,895 | $22.06 |
| 16 | Washington | $49,732 | $23.91 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $42,834 | $20.59 |
| 18 | Montana | $44,334 | $21.31 |
| 19 | Rhode Island | $50,503 | $24.28 |
| 20 | Alaska | $51,754 | $24.88 |
| 21 | Delaware | $45,129 | $21.70 |
| 22 | Iowa | $42,203 | $20.29 |
| 23 | Wyoming | $43,696 | $21.01 |
| 24 | Ohio | $43,070 | $20.71 |
| 25 | Virginia | $44,828 | $21.55 |
| 26 | Kentucky | $43,354 | $20.84 |
| 27 | Florida | $41,563 | $19.98 |
| 28 | Nevada | $39,198 | $18.85 |
| 29 | Alabama | $42,900 | $20.63 |
| 30 | Utah | $42,321 | $20.35 |
| 31 | Arizona | $38,714 | $18.61 |
| 32 | North Carolina | $40,111 | $19.28 |
| 33 | Colorado | $39,634 | $19.05 |
| 34 | North Dakota | $41,244 | $19.83 |
| 35 | Hawaii | $49,380 | $23.74 |
| 36 | Vermont | $41,631 | $20.01 |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $40,655 | $19.55 |
| 38 | Indiana | $39,113 | $18.80 |
| 39 | South Carolina | $38,370 | $18.45 |
| 40 | Tennessee | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| 41 | Kansas | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| 42 | West Virginia | $39,760 | $19.12 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $38,742 | $18.63 |
| 44 | Georgia | $38,452 | $18.49 |
| 45 | Mississippi | $36,651 | $17.62 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | $33,210 | $15.97 |
| 47 | Missouri | $35,379 | $17.01 |
| 48 | Arkansas | $33,956 | $16.32 |
| 49 | Idaho | $36,492 | $17.54 |
| 50 | South Dakota | $35,828 | $17.23 |
| 51 | Maine | $33,710 | $16.21 |
The highest-paying cities for 5th grade teachers are Washington, DC, Elizabeth, NJ, and Boston, MA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington, DC | $61,075 | $29.36 |
| 2 | Elizabeth, NJ | $61,061 | $29.36 |
| 3 | Boston, MA | $60,347 | $29.01 |
| 4 | Redwood City, CA | $58,084 | $27.93 |
| 5 | Bethesda, MD | $56,905 | $27.36 |
| 6 | New York, NY | $55,437 | $26.65 |
| 7 | Detroit, MI | $53,203 | $25.58 |
| 8 | Seattle, WA | $50,022 | $24.05 |
| 9 | Chicago, IL | $48,800 | $23.46 |
| 10 | Santa Fe, NM | $46,961 | $22.58 |
| 11 | Edinburg, TX | $46,841 | $22.52 |
| 12 | McLean, VA | $45,899 | $22.07 |
| 13 | Marshalltown, IA | $42,131 | $20.26 |
| 14 | Kissimmee, FL | $41,484 | $19.94 |
| 15 | Wilson, NC | $41,376 | $19.89 |
| 16 | South Bend, IN | $40,120 | $19.29 |
| 17 | Denver, CO | $39,654 | $19.06 |
| 18 | Las Vegas, NV | $39,013 | $18.76 |
| 19 | Phoenix, AZ | $38,836 | $18.67 |
A 5th grade teacher's salary ranges from $33,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $64,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $64,000 | $5,333 | $31 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,000 | $4,583 | $26 |
| Average | $46,300 | $3,858 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
| 10th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
The highest paying types of 5th grade teachers are science teacher, student teacher, and reading teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Arts Teacher | $51,969 | $4,331 | $24.99 | 88,551 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $52,161 | $4,347 | $25.08 | 84,607 |
| English Language Arts Teacher | $48,483 | $4,040 | $23.31 | 88,793 |
| Science Teacher | $59,788 | $4,982 | $28.74 | 71,133 |
| ESL Teacher | $52,701 | $4,392 | $25.34 | 63,897 |
| Teacher | $47,989 | $3,999 | $23.07 | 71,918 |
Top companies hiring 5th grade teachers now:
5th grade teacher salaries at CAI and Excel Academy Charter Schools are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average 5th grade teacher salary at companies like DC Prep and Piedmont Unified School District are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CAI | $63,701 | $30.63 |
| 2 | Excel Academy Charter Schools | $61,645 | $29.64 |
| 3 | DC Prep | $59,003 | $28.37 |
| 4 | Piedmont Unified School District | $56,335 | $27.08 |
| 5 | Yeshiva-Bruriah-RTMA | $56,072 | $26.96 |
| 6 | Shady Side Academy | $55,760 | $26.81 |
| 7 | Madera High School | $54,821 | $26.36 |
| 8 | Summit Public Schools | $54,303 | $26.11 |
| 9 | KIPP Northern California Public Schools | $53,759 | $25.85 |
| 10 | Chicago Public Schools | $53,655 | $25.80 |
| 11 | Yeshiva Toras Chaim | $53,428 | $25.69 |
| 12 | Montgomery County Public Schools | $53,234 | $25.59 |
| 13 | Liberty Middle School | $52,942 | $25.45 |
| 14 | Distinctive Schools | $52,760 | $25.37 |
| 15 | Camino Nuevo Charter Academy | $51,987 | $24.99 |
| 16 | International Charter School of Atlanta | $51,657 | $24.84 |
| 17 | Aspen School District | $51,122 | $24.58 |
| 18 | Scholar Academies | $50,985 | $24.51 |
| 19 | Wentzville R Iv School District | $50,907 | $24.47 |
| 20 | Bpe | $50,751 | $24.40 |
The average 5th grade teacher salary has risen by $6,154 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average 5th grade teacher earned $40,146 annually, but today, they earn $46,300 a year. That works out to a 9% change in pay for 5th grade teachers over the last decade.
Compare 5th grade teacher salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare 5th grade teacher salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $46,300 | $22.26 | +2.1% |
| 2025 | $45,300 | $21.80 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $44,200 | $21.27 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $43,400 | $20.88 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $42,400 | $20.38 | +1.6% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport School District | 5Th Grade Teacher | Newport, WA | 06/30/2025 | $35,000 |
| Lansing School District | 5Th Grade Teacher | Lansing, MI | 06/29/2025 | $46,942 |
| Harlem Unit School District 122 | 5Th Grade Teacher | Kane, IL | 06/27/2025 | $48,151 |
| Lawrence Public Schools | 5Th ELA Teacher | Lawrence, MA | 06/27/2025 | $56,415 |
| Port Arthur Independent School District (Tx | 5Th Grade ESL | Port Arthur, TX | 06/27/2025 | $53,400 |
| Kingman Unified School District | 5Th Grade Teacher | Dolan Springs, AZ | 06/27/2025 | $47,575 |
| 4000 Archdiocese of Seattle Payroll Svc | 5Th Grade Teacher-Salary | Vancouver, WA | 06/27/2025 | $41,685 |
| High Tech High | Education Specialist K-5Th Grade (Special Education Teacher Mild/Moderate) North County | San Marcos, CA | 06/26/2025 | $63,280 |
| Hopkins Public School District | 5Th Grade Teacher | Nore, MN | 06/26/2025 | $50,702 |
| Archdiocese of Washington | 5Th Grade Self-Contained Teacher-ST. Anthony Catholic School-Washington DC | Washington, DC | 06/26/2025 | $50,000 |
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