Elementary School Teachers
K-12 Teachers • Education & Training Careers
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. Excludes "Special Education Teachers" (25-2050) and "Substitute Teachers, Short-Term" (25-3031).
Elementary School Teachers - Quick Facts
- Median Salary: $62,340
- Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,440
- Senior (90th percentile): $102,010
- National Employment: 1,393,310 jobs
- Education Required: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth Outlook: Moderate
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2024), Elementary School Teachers professionals earned a median annual salary of $62,340 nationally, with approximately 1,393,310 employed across the United States. This occupation typically requires bachelor's degree and has a moderate growth outlook. The salary range spans from $46,440 (10th percentile) to $102,010 (90th percentile), reflecting variations in experience, location, and industry.
Understanding Salary Statistics: The typical salary (median) shows what a middle-of-the-road Elementary School Teachers earns, making it useful for salary negotiations. The average salary (mean) can be higher due to top earners and is often used in industry reports.
Salary Distribution
National salary ranges for Elementary School Teachers (2024)
Highest Paying Metropolitan Areas
Top 10 metro areas with the highest salaries for Elementary School Teachers
Top Industries
Industries with the most Elementary School Teachers positions
Work Environment
Career Overview
💼 About This Career
Elementary School Teachers professionals work in education & training careers, specifically in k-12 teachers. This role typically requires bachelor's degree and offers a median salary of $62,340.
📊 Job Market Outlook
The job growth outlook for Elementary School Teachers is rated as Moderate. Currently, there are approximately 1,393,310 people employed in this occupation nationwide.
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Compare with Similar Careers
Unsure which career path to choose? Compare Elementary School Teachers side-by-side with similar occupations to see salary differences, education requirements, and growth outlook.
❓ Common Questions About Elementary School Teachers
Get direct answers to the most common questions about Elementary School Teachers salaries, requirements, and career outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elementary School Teachers
What is the median salary for Elementary School Teachers?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2024), Elementary School Teachers earn a median annual salary of $62,340. This means half of all Elementary School Teachers professionals earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The median salary is considered the most representative figure for typical earnings in this occupation.
How much do entry-level Elementary School Teachers make?
Entry-level Elementary School Teachers (10th percentile) typically earn around $46,440 annually as of 2024. Entry-level salaries can vary based on location, education, and employer, but this figure represents the lower end of the salary range for professionals just starting their careers.
What do experienced Elementary School Teachers earn?
Experienced Elementary School Teachers (90th percentile) can earn $102,010 or more annually. Senior professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, or those working in high-paying metropolitan areas often exceed this figure. The top 10% of earners in this field demonstrate the career growth potential.
What education do you need to become a Elementary School Teachers?
The typical education requirement for Elementary School Teachers is bachelor's degree. However, requirements may vary by employer and specialization. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience or relevant certifications in addition to formal education. Check specific job postings for detailed requirements.
What is the job outlook for Elementary School Teachers?
The job growth outlook for Elementary School Teachers is moderate. Currently, approximately 1,393,310 people are employed in this occupation nationwide. This outlook reflects expected changes in employment over the next decade based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, considering factors such as technological changes, industry trends, and economic conditions.
What's the difference between median and mean salary for Elementary School Teachers?
The median salary ($62,340) represents the middle point where half earn more and half earn less, making it less affected by extremely high or low salaries. The mean (average) salary ($69,790) is calculated by adding all salaries and dividing by the number of workers. For Elementary School Teachers, the mean is higher than the median, indicating that some professionals earn significantly above the typical range.
Data Source & Attribution
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Data Period: May 2024
Last Verified: December 25, 2025
National employment and wage estimates. Historical trends show changes over time. Individual results may vary based on experience, location, industry, and employer.
Salary and employment data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wages shown are before taxes and may vary based on experience, education, and employer. Geographic location significantly impacts compensation.
How to cite this data
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)." May 2024. Analyzed by Wageography, 2025. Available: https://www.bls.gov/oes/