Elementary School Teacher Salary in Kentucky
Based on 19K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$60,610
$29.14/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-11.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $80K
19K employed in Kentucky
Elementary School Teacher salary in Kentucky averages $60,610 per year, with approximately 19,080 educators currently employed in the state. This median falls about 11% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in compensation across the education sector. Teachers in Kentucky can expect salaries ranging from $45,600 to $79,740 annually, depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Elementary School Teacher salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, district funding levels, and geographic location within the state. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications typically earn more, as do those in better-funded districts. Cost of living variations between urban and rural areas also affect compensation packages, and seniority plays a significant role in salary progression throughout a teaching career.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,600 |
| 25th percentile | $48,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,610 |
| 75th percentile | $64,570 |
| 90th percentile | $79,740 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,390 |
| 2023 | $59,150 |
| 2024 | $57,980 |
| 2025 | $60,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,359 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,390 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $59,150 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $57,980 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $60,610 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,359 | $71,268 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,740 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Elementary School Teacher ($60,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian in KY | $65,200 | +7.6% | $31.35/hr |
| School Counselor in KY | $64,350 | +6.2% | $30.94/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in KY | $63,640 | +5.0% | $30.60/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in KY | $61,560 | +1.6% | $29.60/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KY | $61,120 | +0.8% | $29.38/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | -0.5% | $28.98/hr |
| Tutor in KY | $39,990 | -34.0% | $19.23/hr |
| Police Officer in KY | $60,490 | -0.2% | $29.08/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in KY | $60,460 | -0.2% | $29.07/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | +0.4% | $29.27/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in KY | $60,150 | -0.8% | $28.92/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in KY | $61,390 | +1.3% | $29.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Kentucky?
- Elementary school teachers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $60,610 per year, or $29 per hour. This is approximately 11.1% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Kentucky?
- Elementary school teachers in Kentucky can expect salaries ranging from $45,600 on the lower end to $79,740 on the higher end, depending on experience and other factors.
Is teaching elementary school in Kentucky paid less than the national average?
- Yes, elementary school teachers in Kentucky earn 11.1% less than the national average, with a median of $60,610 compared to higher averages in other states.
How many elementary school teachers work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 19,080 elementary school teachers employed in Kentucky according to current employment data.