Elementary School Teacher Salary in North Carolina
Based on 42K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$54,930
$26.41/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-19.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $63K
42K employed in North Carolina
The median Elementary School Teacher salary in North Carolina is $54,930 annually, positioning it 19% below the national average. With approximately 42,410 educators employed in this vital role across the state, understanding compensation is key for aspiring and current teachers. The salary range for these professionals typically falls between $45,570 and $62,590 per year.
Several factors influence an Elementary School Teacher salary in North Carolina. Experience level plays a significant role, as does the specific school district and its funding. Further influencing factors can include advanced degrees or specialized certifications, with larger or more affluent districts sometimes offering higher pay scales compared to smaller or under-resourced ones.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,570 |
| 25th percentile | $47,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $54,930 |
| 75th percentile | $59,730 |
| 90th percentile | $62,590 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,290 |
| 2023 | $50,200 |
| 2024 | $49,400 |
| 2025 | $54,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,226 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,290 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $50,200 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $49,400 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $54,930 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,226 | $72,267 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $54,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,590 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Elementary School Teacher ($54,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in NC | $63,340 | +15.3% | $30.45/hr |
| Librarian in NC | $61,420 | +11.8% | $29.53/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | +5.0% | $27.72/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | +4.9% | $27.71/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NC | $53,180 | -3.2% | $25.57/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in NC | $52,010 | -5.3% | $25.00/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | -24.1% | $20.05/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in NC | $55,490 | +1.0% | $26.68/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | +3.4% | $27.31/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in NC | $52,830 | -3.8% | $25.40/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | +3.9% | $27.44/hr |
| Paralegal in NC | $57,500 | +4.7% | $27.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for an elementary school teacher in North Carolina is $54,930 per year, which averages out to about $26 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $45,570 and $62,590 annually.
What is the difference between North Carolina elementary school teacher salaries and the national average?
- Elementary school teachers in North Carolina earn 19.4% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $54,930 in North Carolina is significantly lower compared to the rest of the country.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 42,410 elementary school teachers employed in North Carolina. This figure represents the total number of individuals working in this profession across the state.
Is the salary for elementary school teachers in North Carolina competitive?
- The median salary of $54,930 per year for elementary school teachers in North Carolina is below the national average by 19.4%. While the range can go up to $62,590, the overall compensation is lower than in many other parts of the country.