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Elementary classroom teacher salary
Average elementary classroom teacher salary
$48,105
Understanding Elementary Classroom Teacher Salaries
The average salary for an Elementary Classroom Teacher in the United States is $48,105 per year. This figure reflects various factors, including state, district funding, and years of experience. Teachers in metropolitan areas often earn higher salaries due to increased living costs and demand for educators.
State-by-State Salary Comparison
Elementary teachers' salaries can vary significantly by state. For instance, teachers in California and New York typically earn more than their counterparts in less populated states. This variation highlights the importance of considering location when entering the teaching profession.
Job Opportunities and Advancement
Teachers can enhance their earning potential by pursuing additional certifications or administrative roles. Specialized positions such as curriculum coordinators or school administrators often command higher salaries. Moreover, ongoing professional development plays a crucial role in staying competitive in the education sector.
Conclusion
As demand for quality education grows, the need for dedicated Elementary Classroom Teachers remains strong. Those considering this career should evaluate the salary landscape and opportunities for growth in their desired location.
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Where can an Elementary Classroom Teacher earn more?
Average elementary classroom teacher salary by state
The highest-paying states for elementary classroom teachers are Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington. The lowest average elementary classroom teacher salary states are Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arizona.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for elementary classroom teachers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $67,898 | $32.64 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $62,816 | $30.20 |
| 3 | Connecticut | $53,939 | $25.93 |
| 4 | Washington | $62,365 | $29.98 |
| 5 | Wyoming | $50,612 | $24.33 |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $59,286 | $28.50 |
| 7 | New York | $57,829 | $27.80 |
| 8 | Nebraska | $51,434 | $24.73 |
| 9 | Michigan | $49,985 | $24.03 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $52,814 | $25.39 |
| 11 | Texas | $52,523 | $25.25 |
| 12 | Oregon | $57,312 | $27.55 |
| 13 | Massachusetts | $53,474 | $25.71 |
| 14 | California | $60,897 | $29.28 |
| 15 | New Mexico | $48,483 | $23.31 |
| 16 | Alaska | $57,022 | $27.41 |
| 17 | Virginia | $53,164 | $25.56 |
| 18 | Montana | $47,411 | $22.79 |
| 19 | Rhode Island | $52,043 | $25.02 |
| 20 | Utah | $52,451 | $25.22 |
| 21 | Illinois | $48,195 | $23.17 |
| 22 | Minnesota | $47,412 | $22.79 |
| 23 | Florida | $48,430 | $23.28 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $46,624 | $22.42 |
| 25 | New Hampshire | $45,631 | $21.94 |
| 26 | Ohio | $48,301 | $23.22 |
| 27 | Delaware | $46,038 | $22.13 |
| 28 | Alabama | $47,226 | $22.70 |
| 29 | Kentucky | $46,896 | $22.55 |
| 30 | Vermont | $45,264 | $21.76 |
| 31 | Colorado | $45,762 | $22.00 |
| 32 | Georgia | $46,129 | $22.18 |
| 33 | Nevada | $41,968 | $20.18 |
| 34 | Kansas | $43,113 | $20.73 |
| 35 | Iowa | $43,449 | $20.89 |
| 36 | North Carolina | $43,043 | $20.69 |
| 37 | Louisiana | $44,593 | $21.44 |
| 38 | Missouri | $43,787 | $21.05 |
| 39 | North Dakota | $44,122 | $21.21 |
| 40 | Idaho | $42,759 | $20.56 |
| 41 | Hawaii | $48,885 | $23.50 |
| 42 | Wisconsin | $43,852 | $21.08 |
| 43 | Arizona | $39,641 | $19.06 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $41,210 | $19.81 |
| 45 | Arkansas | $40,782 | $19.61 |
| 46 | Indiana | $38,421 | $18.47 |
| 47 | Oklahoma | $39,038 | $18.77 |
| 48 | Mississippi | $40,276 | $19.36 |
| 49 | South Dakota | $40,381 | $19.41 |
| 50 | West Virginia | $39,808 | $19.14 |
| 51 | Maine | $36,722 | $17.65 |
Highest paying cities for elementary classroom teachers
The highest-paying cities for elementary classroom teachers are Jersey City, NJ, Oakland, CA, and Washington, DC.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jersey City, NJ | $62,804 | $30.19 |
| 2 | Oakland, CA | $62,478 | $30.04 |
| 3 | Washington, DC | $59,315 | $28.52 |
| 4 | New York, NY | $58,054 | $27.91 |
| 5 | Beaverton, OR | $57,110 | $27.46 |
| 6 | Mission, TX | $53,324 | $25.64 |
| 7 | Hartford, CT | $53,248 | $25.60 |
| 8 | Harrisburg, PA | $52,461 | $25.22 |
| 9 | Danville, VA | $51,655 | $24.83 |
| 10 | Grand Rapids, MI | $49,511 | $23.80 |
| 11 | East Saint Louis, IL | $48,037 | $23.09 |
| 12 | Cincinnati, OH | $47,456 | $22.82 |
| 13 | Saint Paul, MN | $47,417 | $22.80 |
| 14 | Memphis, TN | $46,916 | $22.56 |
| 15 | Kansas City, MO | $43,877 | $21.09 |
| 16 | Marshalltown, IA | $43,410 | $20.87 |
| 17 | Monroe, NC | $42,858 | $20.60 |
Elementary classroom teacher salary details
An elementary classroom teacher's salary ranges from $37,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $61,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is an elementary classroom teacher's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $61,000 | $5,083 | $29 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,000 | $4,500 | $26 |
| Average | $48,105 | $4,009 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,000 | $3,500 | $20 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
Highest paying elementary classroom teacher jobs
The highest paying types of elementary classroom teachers are science teacher, student teacher, and reading teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | $47,989 | $3,999 | $23.07 | 71,918 |
| 2nd Grade Teacher | $46,850 | $3,904 | $22.52 | 59,077 |
| Language Teacher | $51,413 | $4,284 | $24.72 | 74,479 |
| Pre-K Teacher | $40,301 | $3,358 | $19.38 | 60,464 |
| Math Teacher | $51,088 | $4,257 | $24.56 | 59,347 |
| Resource Teacher | $43,487 | $3,624 | $20.91 | 73,796 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for elementary classroom teachers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Patricia Rogan Ph.D.
Professor, Special Education/Urban Teacher Education, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Top companies hiring elementary classroom teachers now:
Which companies pay elementary classroom teachers the most?
Elementary classroom teacher salaries at Shelby County Board Of Education and PSEA are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average elementary classroom teacher salary at companies like Buena Vista University and Seneca Companies are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelby County Board Of Education | $53,815 | $25.87 |
| 2 | PSEA | $52,567 | $25.27 |
| 3 | Buena Vista University | $52,489 | $25.24 |
| 4 | Seneca Companies | $52,248 | $25.12 |
| 5 | Biddeford Middle School | $52,208 | $25.10 |
| 6 | Sharyland ISD | $51,484 | $24.75 |
| 7 | Hopkins School | $51,085 | $24.56 |
| 8 | Fayette County Public Schools | $50,874 | $24.46 |
| 9 | University of North Carolina | $50,218 | $24.14 |
| 10 | Lee Montessori Public Charter School | $50,188 | $24.13 |
| 11 | Friendship Public Charter School | $49,823 | $23.95 |
| 12 | Sam Houston State University | $49,627 | $23.86 |
| 13 | Crossroads Charter Schools | $49,418 | $23.76 |
| 14 | Mount Carmel High School | $48,416 | $23.28 |
| 15 | Zeeland Christian School | $48,383 | $23.26 |
| 16 | Alisal Union SD | $48,236 | $23.19 |
| 17 | Excellence Community Schools | $47,520 | $22.85 |
| 18 | Union County Public Schools | $47,315 | $22.75 |
| 19 | Forest Hills Public Schools | $47,307 | $22.74 |
| 20 | Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES | $46,911 | $22.55 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Elementary classroom teacher salary trends
The average elementary classroom teacher salary has risen by $6,394 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average elementary classroom teacher earned $41,711 annually, but today, they earn $48,105 a year. That works out to a 9% change in pay for elementary classroom teachers over the last decade.
Compare elementary classroom teacher salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average elementary classroom teacher salary over time
Compare elementary classroom teacher salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Elementary classroom teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $48,100 | $23.13 | +2.1% |
| 2025 | $47,100 | $22.65 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $46,000 | $22.10 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $45,100 | $21.69 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $44,000 | $21.18 | +1.6% |
Recently added elementary classroom teacher salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Reap | Classroom Teacher/Elementary School Classes | DeSoto, TX | 06/29/2025 | $41,000 |
| Missouri Reap | Classroom Teacher/Elementary School Classes | Hillsboro, OR | 06/29/2025 | $44,500 |
| City View Charter School | City View Charter School Elementary Classroom Teacher | Hillsboro, OR | 06/28/2025 | $44,664 |
| Utica City School District | Elementary Classroom Teacher | Utica, NY | 06/27/2025 | $43,138 |
| Linden Public Schools | Elementary Classroom Teacher | Linden, NJ | 06/24/2025 | $60,012 |
| Kennett 39 School District | Elementary Classroom Teacher) | Noel, MO | 06/21/2025 | $40,000 |
| Brainerd Public Schools | Garfield 4Th Grade Elementary Classroom Teacher (ONE Year Position) | Nore, MN | 06/20/2025 | $46,936 |
| Ohio Department of Education | Grant Funded Title I Elementary Classroom Teacher PK | Columbus, OH | 06/19/2025 | $46,896 |
| Wayzata Public Schools ISD 284 | Elementary Classroom Teacher, 4Th Grade, Long Term Reserve | Nore, MN | 06/19/2025 | $48,949 |
| Jonathan Alder Local School District | Grant Funded Title I Elementary Classroom Teacher PK | Enon, OH | 06/19/2025 | $46,896 |
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