Elementary School Teacher Salary in Illinois
Based on 62K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$75,320
$36.21/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
+10.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $105K
62K employed in Illinois
Elementary School Teacher salary in Illinois averages $75,320 annually, positioning the state favorably in educator compensation. With approximately 61,520 teachers employed across Illinois schools, this median salary stands 10% above the national average, reflecting the state's commitment to competitive educator wages. Teachers in this field earn between $47,040 and $105,250 depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Elementary School Teacher salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific district location. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications typically earn higher salaries, as do those in well-funded suburban districts. Urban and rural areas may offer different compensation packages, and seniority plays a significant role in salary advancement through established pay scales and step increases.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,040 |
| 25th percentile | $58,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,320 |
| 75th percentile | $97,830 |
| 90th percentile | $105,250 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,190 |
| 2023 | $64,900 |
| 2024 | $64,160 |
| 2025 | $75,320 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,839 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,190 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $64,900 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $64,160 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $75,320 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,839 | $72,267 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,320 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $105,250 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Elementary School Teacher ($75,320 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in IL | $79,990 | +6.2% | $38.46/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IL | $76,110 | +1.0% | $36.59/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | +1.0% | $36.56/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | -15.0% | $30.78/hr |
| Librarian in IL | $62,700 | -16.8% | $30.14/hr |
| School Counselor in IL | $62,420 | -17.1% | $30.01/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | -41.3% | $21.26/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in IL | $75,000 | -0.4% | $36.06/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in IL | $74,980 | -0.5% | $36.05/hr |
| Editor in IL | $76,060 | +1.0% | $36.57/hr |
| Interior Designer in IL | $76,290 | +1.3% | $36.68/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in IL | $76,380 | +1.4% | $36.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Illinois?
- Elementary school teachers in Illinois earn a median salary of $75,320 per year, or approximately $36 per hour. This is 10.5% higher than the national average for the same position.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Illinois?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in Illinois range from $47,040 to $105,250 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and school district. This represents a significant range of earning potential within the state.
Is teaching elementary school in Illinois better paid than the national average?
- Yes, elementary school teachers in Illinois earn 10.5% more than the national average. The state's median salary of $75,320 per year reflects competitive compensation for educators in this region.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Illinois?
- There are 61,520 elementary school teachers currently employed in Illinois, making it a substantial workforce within the state's education system.