Elementary educators teach foundational academic skills and nurture emotional intelligence in their students. These professionals must earn degrees plus teaching certifications and licenses. Elementary educators also develop classroom management skills and implement effective curricula to best serve learners.
Careers in education are rewarding and secure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average employment growth rate of 5% for all education, training, and library occupations from 2019-2029.
This page provides details about the elementary education job outlook, including salary and employment prospects. Keep reading for details about the highest-paying states and areas with the greatest growth in elementary education employment.
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Salary by Experience | Salary by Education | Salary by Location | Career Prospects | FAQs
What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do?
Elementary teachers play a pivotal role in the educational system. In early grades, children learn academic foundations and behavioral expectations. Teaching young students requires specialized training, compassion, and patience.
Elementary teacher tasks include overseeing students' well-being while at school. Educators must also collaborate with peers, paraeducators, instructional coaches, and administrators to create successful learning environments for elementary students.
How Much Do Elementary School Teachers Make?
The BLS reports a median annual salary of $60,660 for all kindergarten and elementary school teachers. Elementary teachers who want to advance in their careers can pursue master's degrees or additional certificates. They can also obtain optional national board certification. These accomplishments may help teachers to set themselves apart in the job market.
Average Elementary Teacher Salary by Experience
Classroom experience affects teachers' salaries in most states. Many school districts supply a salary schedule dictating the pay for teachers at different levels of experience and education. New teachers should expect to gradually increase their salaries by gaining experience in the classroom along with additional credentials.
Annual Salaries by Experience for Elementary Education Teachers, August 2021
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (<1 year) | $39,920 |
| Early Career (1-4 years) | $41,570 |
| Midcareer (5-9 years) | $45,940 |
| Late Career (10-19 years) | $52,440 |
| Experienced (20+ years) | $59,460 |
Source: PayScale
Average Elementary Teacher Salary by Education
Elementary teachers must complete continuing education to keep their teaching licenses current. Earning additional degrees can help teachers increase their salaries. The following information details the average hourly and annual wages for professionals holding associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in education.
Please note: This information is from a limited number of respondents and may not accurately represent average wages for all education levels.
Average Salaries by Education, 2021
| Education Level | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts, Elementary Education Degree | $14.10 | $48,000 |
| Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education Degree | $17.24 | $54,000 |
| Master of Science, Elementary Education Degree | $22.30 | $58,000 |
| Doctor of Philosophy, Education Degree | $32.50 | $78,000 |
Source: PayScale
Earning higher-level degrees may translate to specialized skills and increased pay. Advanced degrees require considerable educational investments, but the potential salary increase may offset some of those costs. Teacher salaries vary by state and region. The increased salaries for obtaining higher credentials may offer a suitable return on investment.
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Average Elementary Teacher Salary by Location
Teacher salaries vary across the country because of factors like population density and cost of living. Urban areas tend to pay more than suburban areas.
California, Massachusetts, and New York employ the highest numbers of teachers with mean annual salaries ranging from $84,380-$85,110. While these states offer strong wages, each has a cost of living index well over the national average.
Top-Paying States for Elementary Education Teachers, 2020
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 156,920 | $85,110 |
| Massachusetts | 29,900 | $84,810 |
| New York | 92,700 | $84,380 |
| Connecticut | 15,000 | $79,610 |
| District of Columbia | 4,150 | $78,840 |
Source: BLS
Teacher salaries also vary by city and state. Due to student population, class sizes, and teacher demand, elementary school teachers can earn higher salaries in certain metropolitan areas.
Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Elementary Education Teachers, 2020
| Metropolitan Area | Number of Elementary Education Teachers Employed | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Merced, CA | 1,630 | $99,360 |
| Kingston, NY | 720 | $93,780 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 21,520 | $92,910 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 44,340 | $90,600 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 8,940 | $90,480 |
Source: BLS
Job Outlook and Career Prospects
A positive job outlook indicates strong employment prospects for elementary teachers. The BLS expects an increase in student enrollment for public kindergarten and elementary schools from 2019-2029. The number of teachers needed to accommodate these new students may rise in response, but demand will vary.
Elementary education job opportunities vary by region and school setting. Some states experience more growth and greater job turnover than others. Urban and rural school districts may offer more opportunities than highly competitive suburban districts.
The BLS projects a 4% growth rate in elementary education teacher jobs from 2019-2029. While this growth rate reflects the national average, specific states' and regions' growth figures vary.
Best Locations for Elementary School Teachers
Elementary teachers work in every state to serve the educational needs of school children. Some states like California, Texas, and New York employ more teachers because of their large populations and school districts.
Additional factors like the growing teacher shortage in California can affect demand and salary figures for elementary teachers. High birth and immigration rates in many states also correspond with a greater need for teachers.
Top States
The best states for elementary education teachers offer high salaries and ample employment opportunities. Some states may offer more openings due to their geographic size, while others may require higher demand due to high population density.
Top-Employing States for Elementary Education Teachers, 2020
| Top-Employing States | Number of Elementary Education Teachers Employed | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 156,920 | $85,110 |
| Texas | 131,370 | $56,760 |
| New York | 92,700 | $84,380 |
| Florida | 73,840 | $57,520 |
| Illinois | 57,880 | $66,140 |
Source: BLS
States With the Greatest Projected Increase in Employment for Elementary Education Teachers, 2018-28
| State | Percent Projected Change, 2018-28 | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|
| Greatest Projected Percentage Increase | ||
| Washington | 17.4% | 3,910 |
| Utah | 16% | 1,350 |
| Georgia | 15.8% | 5,070 |
| Colorado | 15.5% | 2,370 |
| Maryland | 14.4% | 2,810 |
| Most Projected Average Annual Openings | ||
| California | 4.9% | 15,070 |
| Texas | 10.8% | 11,980 |
| New York | 8% | 7,090 |
| Florida | 7.2% | 6,200 |
| Georgia | 15.8% | 5,070 |
Source: Projections Central
Top Cities
Living in an urban metropolitan area offers perks like access to entertainment and public transportation, along with greater job prospects. Elementary teachers in metro areas can often pursue abundant employment opportunities.
Furthermore, teachers working in large cities may earn higher salaries. School districts in the greater New York and Los Angeles metro areas offer especially high pay. The table below includes details about employment and wages in the top metropolitan areas.
Top-Employing Metropolitan Areas for Elementary Education Teachers, 2020
| Metropolitan Area | Number of Elementary Education Teachers Employed | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 90,750 | $85,740 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 45,180 | $69,560 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 44,340 | $90,600 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 34,740 | $58,010 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 32,450 | $58,930 |
Source: BLS
Best Industries for Elementary School Teachers
Although schools are the most common workplace for elementary educators, other industries also employ individuals with education credentials. These sectors include government agencies, advocacy groups, and postsecondary institutions.
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary Education Teachers, 2020
| Top-Paying Industries | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 1,356,460 | $65,470 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals | 620 | $64,290 |
| Social Advocacy Organizations | 110 | $60,640 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 690 | $59,290 |
| Educational Support Services | 510 | $56,620 |
Source: BLS
Employment by Industry for Elementary Education Teachers, 2020
| Industries with Highest Employment | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 1,356,460 | $65,470 |
| Child Day Care Services | 1,620 | $36,830 |
| Religious Organizations | 1,420 | $51,270 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 690 | $59,290 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals | 620 | $64,290 |
Source: BLS
Upward Mobility for Elementary School Teachers
Elementary education teachers possess transferable skills that can help them earn promotions later in their careers. Education degree-holders can pursue the following career prospects:
Curriculum Developer: These professionals create academic material and develop coursework for education levels. Elementary educators can use their knowledge to make recommendations and implement change in the educational industry. Curriculum developers earn an average annual salary of $64,670 as of August 2021.
Assistant Principal: These administrators take on management roles in elementary, middle, and high schools. They oversee aspects of education like curriculum, discipline, and organization. Assistant principals earn an average annual salary of $74,480 as of August 2021.
Principal:School principals hold the highest responsibilities in school buildings. They evaluate teacher performance, identify student needs, and create action plans with other educational leaders. Principals earn an average annual salary of $87,220 as of August 2021.
Learn More About Elementary Education Teachers
What Is an Elementary Education Teacher?
This page details elementary teachers' roles and responsibilities.
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How to Become an Elementary Education Teacher
Follow this link to learn about the coursework, student teaching, and certification requirements for becoming an elementary teacher.
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Day in the Life of an Elementary Education Teacher
Read this page to learn about the daily tasks, planning, and instruction conducted by elementary education teachers.
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Top Master's Degrees in Elementary Education
Teachers who want to increase their knowledge and earning potential should follow this link to learn about the top master's degrees in elementary education.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
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