Elementary School Teacher Salary in the United States
Based on 1.4M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$68,176
$32.78/hr
▲ 6.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$50K – $89K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.4M
workers nationwide
The median Elementary School Teacher salary in the United States is $68,176 per year, equating to roughly $33 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these vital educators across the nation, with a typical salary range falling between $50,039 and $89,427 annually.
Several factors significantly influence an Elementary School Teacher salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the specific school district's funding and location, the teacher's educational attainment (e.g., Bachelor's vs. Master's degree), and any additional certifications or specialized roles they hold within the school.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,039 |
| 25th percentile | $56,639 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,176 |
| 75th percentile | $78,913 |
| 90th percentile | $89,427 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Elementary School Teacher
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $102,350 | +50.1% | 29K |
| 2 | California | $99,650 | +46.2% | 155K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $96,580 | +41.7% | 4K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $94,000 | +37.9% | 30K |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $90,930 | +33.4% | 4K |
| 6 | New York | $85,760 | +25.8% | 101K |
| 7 | Connecticut | $80,600 | +18.2% | 16K |
| 8 | Alaska | $79,260 | +16.3% | 4K |
| 9 | New Jersey | $78,200 | +14.7% | 40K |
| 10 | Maryland | $77,680 | +13.9% | 30K |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Industry
How much Elementary School Teachers earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($72,990 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | +7.1% | 540 |
| 2 | Educational Services | $63,970 | -6.2% | 1.4M |
| 3 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | -27.6% | 2K |
| 4 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | -32.0% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Elementary School Teacher
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Elementary School Teacher roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Independent School District | $79,000 | 67 |
| 2 | Savannah Chatham County Public School System | $64,292 | 60 |
| 3 | District Of Columbia Public Schools | $65,000 | 26 |
| 4 | Denver Public Schools District 1 | $84,643 | 25 |
| 5 | Milwaukee Board Of School Directors | $54,386 | 17 |
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,267 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,639 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,176 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,913 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,427 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Elementary School Teacher in the US?
- The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in the US is $68,176 per year. This means half of all elementary school teachers earn more, and half earn less than this amount.
What is the salary range for Elementary School Teachers?
- The salary range for Elementary School Teachers in the United States typically falls between $50,039 and $89,427 per year. This indicates the lowest earners make around $50k, while the highest earners can exceed $89k.
Which state pays Elementary School Teachers the most?
- Washington is the top-paying state for Elementary School Teachers, with a reported median salary of $102,350 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Elementary School Teachers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 1,388,400 Elementary School Teachers employed across the United States. This large number reflects the demand for these professionals in educating young students.