Elementary School Teacher Salary in the United States
Based on 1.4M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$64,107
$30.821/hr
▼ 0.1% vs 2023Salary Range
$63K – $123K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.4M
workers nationwide
Elementary school teachers in the United States earn a median salary of $64,107 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 1.39 million educators in this role nationwide, teaching remains one of the most common professions in America. Understanding elementary school teacher salary in the United States is essential for those considering this career path or evaluating compensation trends in public education.
Several factors influence elementary school teacher salary in the United States, including geographic location, years of experience, educational credentials, and school district funding levels. Teachers in urban areas and wealthier districts typically earn more than their rural counterparts. Advanced degrees, certifications, and tenure can also contribute to higher compensation. Salary ranges span from $62,900 to $122,830 annually, reflecting these significant variations across different regions and school systems.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,900 |
| 25th percentile | $78,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,107 |
| 75th percentile | $108,470 |
| 90th percentile | $122,830 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Elementary School Teacher
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $99,110 | +54.6% | 31K |
| 2 | California | $98,190 | +53.2% | 142K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $94,730 | +47.8% | 4K |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $86,900 | +35.6% | 4K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $83,260 | +29.9% | 32K |
| 6 | New York | $82,480 | +28.7% | 104K |
| 7 | Connecticut | $78,740 | +22.8% | 16K |
| 8 | New Jersey | $77,150 | +20.3% | 42K |
| 9 | Alaska | $76,290 | +19.0% | 3K |
| 10 | Oregon | $75,800 | +18.2% | 14K |
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $64,107 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make per hour?
- Elementary school teachers earn a median hourly rate of $31/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $64,107 for full-time positions.
What city pays elementary school teachers the most?
- Washington, D.C. is the top paying city for elementary school teachers, with a median salary of $99,110 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $64,107.
What is the salary range for elementary school teachers?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in the United States range from $62,900 to $122,830 per year, depending on experience, location, and school district.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 1,393,260 elementary school teachers currently employed across the United States, making it a substantial workforce in the education sector.