Elementary School Teacher Salary in Michigan
Based on 41K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$65,110
$31.30/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-4.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $95K
41K employed in Michigan
Elementary school teachers in Michigan earn a median salary of $65,110 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 40,910 teachers employed across the state, this represents a significant portion of Michigan's education workforce. However, this median falls about 4% below the national average for the profession, reflecting regional variations in compensation levels.
Several factors influence elementary school teacher salary in Michigan, including years of experience, educational credentials, and district funding levels. Teachers with advanced degrees or additional certifications typically earn more than those with bachelor's degrees alone. Geographic location within the state, school district budget constraints, and local cost of living also play important roles in determining individual compensation, with salaries ranging from $47,670 to $94,680 annually.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,670 |
| 25th percentile | $52,040 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,110 |
| 75th percentile | $79,150 |
| 90th percentile | $94,680 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,450 |
| 2023 | $63,290 |
| 2024 | $62,350 |
| 2025 | $65,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,992 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,450 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $63,290 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $62,350 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $65,110 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,992 | $71,194 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,040 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,680 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Elementary School Teacher ($65,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in MI | $79,290 | +21.8% | $38.12/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MI | $66,030 | +1.4% | $31.75/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MI | $63,790 | -2.0% | $30.67/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MI | $63,300 | -2.8% | $30.43/hr |
| Librarian in MI | $60,010 | -7.8% | $28.85/hr |
| School Counselor in MI | $59,440 | -8.7% | $28.58/hr |
| Tutor in MI | $40,350 | -38.0% | $19.40/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in MI | $65,300 | +0.3% | $31.39/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in MI | $65,460 | +0.5% | $31.47/hr |
| Producer and Director in MI | $65,720 | +0.9% | $31.60/hr |
| Computer Programmer in MI | $65,860 | +1.2% | $31.66/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MI | $64,350 | -1.2% | $30.94/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Michigan?
- Elementary school teachers in Michigan earn a median salary of $65,110 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is about 4.5% below the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Michigan?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in Michigan range from $47,670 at the lower end to $94,680 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and school district.
Is teaching in Michigan paid less than the national average?
- Yes, Michigan's median elementary school teacher salary of $65,110 is 4.5% lower than the national average, making it slightly below the typical compensation across the United States.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Michigan?
- There are approximately 40,910 elementary school teachers currently employed in Michigan, representing a significant portion of the state's education workforce.