K-5 teaching. Step + lane salary schedules in most districts.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Elementary Teachers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $49,900 | $38,600 | $63,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $62,100 | $48,000 | $79,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $71,400 | $55,200 | $90,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $85,600 | $66,200 | $109,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $97,100 | $75,000 | $123,600 |
Top 10 states by median Elementary Teacher salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $105,700 | $80,300 | $137,300 | +48% |
| New York | $103,500 | $78,700 | $134,600 | +45% |
| Washington DC | $99,900 | $76,000 | $129,900 | +40% |
| Connecticut | $97,100 | $73,800 | $126,200 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $95,700 | $72,700 | $124,400 | +34% |
| New Jersey | $92,800 | $70,500 | $120,600 | +30% |
| Washington | $92,800 | $70,500 | $120,600 | +30% |
| Maryland | $85,700 | $65,100 | $111,400 | +20% |
| Colorado | $83,500 | $63,500 | $108,600 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $81,400 | $61,800 | $105,800 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $60,700 | $46,100 | $78,900 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $60,000 | $45,600 | $78,000 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $60,000 | $45,600 | $78,000 | -16% |
| Alabama | $59,300 | $45,000 | $77,000 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $59,300 | $45,000 | $77,000 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $57,100 | $43,400 | $74,200 | -20% |
| Oklahoma | $54,300 | $41,200 | $70,500 | -24% |
| West Virginia | $54,300 | $41,200 | $70,500 | -24% |
| Mississippi | $51,400 | $39,100 | $66,800 | -28% |
| South Dakota | $51,400 | $39,100 | $66,800 | -28% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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