Elementary School Teacher Salary in Alabama
Based on 22K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$61,380
$29.51/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-10.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $74K
22K employed in Alabama
The median elementary school teacher salary in Alabama is $59,850 per year, with salaries ranging from $45,510 to $70,920 annually. Alabama's 16,910 elementary teachers earn approximately 7% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in education funding and cost of living across the state.
Elementary school teacher salary in Alabama varies based on several key factors, including years of experience, educational attainment, school district location, and specialized certifications. Teachers in higher-funded districts or those with advanced degrees typically earn toward the upper end of the salary range, while newer educators and those in rural areas may start closer to the minimum threshold.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,750 |
| 25th percentile | $49,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,380 |
| 75th percentile | $64,160 |
| 90th percentile | $73,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,140 |
| 2023 | $60,300 |
| 2024 | $59,850 |
| 2025 | $61,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,949 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,140 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $60,300 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $59,850 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $61,380 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,949 | $69,919 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,950 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Elementary School Teacher ($61,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AL | $69,000 | +12.4% | $33.17/hr |
| Librarian in AL | $64,650 | +5.3% | $31.08/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AL | $61,990 | +1.0% | $29.80/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AL | $61,770 | +0.6% | $29.70/hr |
| School Counselor in AL | $59,570 | -2.9% | $28.64/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AL | $50,900 | -17.1% | $24.47/hr |
| Tutor in AL | $38,430 | -37.4% | $18.48/hr |
| Title Examiner in AL | $61,330 | -0.1% | $29.49/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in AL | $61,160 | -0.4% | $29.40/hr |
| Interior Designer in AL | $61,050 | -0.5% | $29.35/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in AL | $61,710 | +0.5% | $29.67/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AL | $60,890 | -0.8% | $29.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Alabama?
- Elementary school teachers in Alabama earn a median salary of $59,850 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is 6.6% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Alabama?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in Alabama range from $45,510 at the lower end to $70,920 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and school district.
How many elementary school teachers work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 16,910 elementary school teachers currently employed in Alabama, making it a substantial portion of the state's education workforce.
Is the Alabama elementary teacher salary competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Alabama's median elementary teacher salary of $59,850 is about 6.6% lower than the national average, though salaries can reach up to $70,920 with more experience.