Elementary Teacher Salary in America 2025
The landscape of elementary teacher compensation in America has reached a critical juncture in 2025, with educators experiencing both unprecedented nominal salary increases and sobering realities about real purchasing power. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers earn a median annual salary of $62,340 as of May 2024, representing one of the most significant year-over-year increases in recent history. The National Education Association reports that the average public school teacher salary reached $74,177 for the 2024-25 school year, marking a 3.0% increase from the previous year and representing the largest salary growth witnessed in over a decade. These figures reflect intensified efforts by state legislatures and school districts to address the persistent teacher shortage crisis that has afflicted American education, with many states implementing historic pay raises in response to educator advocacy and recognition that competitive compensation remains essential for attracting quality candidates to the profession.
However, beneath these encouraging headline numbers lies a more complex economic reality that tempers optimism about teacher pay improvements. When adjusted for inflation, elementary teachers are earning approximately 5.1% less than their counterparts did ten years ago, meaning the purchasing power of teacher salaries has actually declined despite appearing to increase in dollar terms. The teacher pay penalty—the gap between what educators earn compared to similarly educated professionals in other fields—has widened to a record 26.6% in 2023 according to the Economic Policy Institute, up from just 6.1% in 1996. Starting elementary teachers earned an average of $46,526 in the 2023-24 school year, representing the largest increase in the 15 years the NEA has tracked this metric, yet these inflation-adjusted starting salaries remain $3,728 below what beginning teachers earned in 2008-09. This dichotomy between nominal gains and real losses defines the current state of elementary teacher compensation, creating both hope for improvement and concern about whether salary growth can keep pace with rising living costs, student loan burdens, and the opportunity costs of choosing education over higher-paying professions.
Interesting Facts About Elementary Teacher Salary in the US 2025
| Fact Category | Key Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Employment | Over 1,400,000 elementary teachers nationwide |
| Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | $62,340 for elementary teachers |
| Average Salary (2024-25) | $74,177 across all teacher levels |
| Gender Distribution | 80.5% female and 19.5% male |
| Average Age | 42 years old across the profession |
| Ethnic Composition | 69.6% White, 12.6% Hispanic, 9.7% Black, 4.2% Asian |
| Highest-Paying State | California at $103,379 average |
| Lowest-Paying State | Mississippi at $55,086 average |
| Starting Teacher Salary | $46,526 national average for 2023-24 |
| Districts Paying $60K+ Starting | 800+ districts (66.2% increase from prior year) |
| Inflation-Adjusted Pay Decline | 5.1% less than 10 years ago |
| Teacher Pay Penalty | 26.6% less than college-educated peers |
| Job Openings Annually | 103,800 openings per year on average |
| Employment Projection (2024-2034) | -2% decline projected |
| States with Highest Pay Increases | Oklahoma (10.5%), Idaho (9.1%), Utah (8.9%) |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, National Education Association Rankings and Estimates Report 2025, Economic Policy Institute Teacher Pay Analysis, Zippia Elementary Teacher Demographics 2025
The statistics paint a profession in transformation, with elementary teachers representing one of the largest occupational groups in the United States at over 1.4 million employed educators. The stark gender imbalance remains one of the most defining characteristics of the profession, with women comprising 80.5% of all elementary teachers—significantly higher than the 60% female representation across all U.S. occupations. This gender concentration has implications for compensation, as female-dominated professions historically experience wage suppression compared to male-dominated fields requiring similar education levels. The average age of 42 years suggests a relatively mature workforce with substantial experience, though it also raises concerns about succession planning as large cohorts approach retirement age over the coming decade.
The $48,293 salary gap between California’s $103,379 and Mississippi’s $55,086 represents an 87% differential—meaning California elementary teachers earn nearly double their Mississippi counterparts despite performing substantially similar work requiring identical credentials. This geographic disparity reflects fundamental differences in state education funding priorities, cost of living variations, and the strength of teachers’ unions in negotiating compensation. The explosive growth in districts offering starting salaries of $60,000 or more—increasing 66.2% in a single year to over 800 districts—signals aggressive competition for new teachers in some markets, though the 30% of districts nationwide meeting this threshold means the remaining 70% continue offering starting salaries that struggle to attract college graduates facing significant student loan debt and competing career options. The 26.6% teacher pay penalty quantifies the financial sacrifice educators accept relative to their education level, contributing significantly to recruitment and retention challenges that have created projected 103,800 annual job openings despite overall declining employment due to enrollment shifts.
Elementary Teacher Median Salary by State in the US 2025
| State | Average Teacher Salary (2024-25) | Starting Salary (2023-24) | Cost of Living Index | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $103,379 | $60,000+ | Very High (138) | Lower relative value |
| New York | $95,615 to $92,222 | $52,000-$57,000 | Very High (125) | Lower relative value |
| Massachusetts | $92,076 to $88,903 | $50,000-$55,000 | Very High (131) | Lower relative value |
| Connecticut | $88,000+ | $48,000-$52,000 | High (117) | Moderate value |
| Washington | $87,530 to $99,320 | $52,000+ | High (110) | Good value |
| New Jersey | $82,000+ | $50,000-$54,000 | Very High (115) | Moderate value |
| Illinois | $75,000+ | $44,000-$48,000 | Moderate (95) | Good value |
| Maryland | $78,444 | $48,000+ | High (120) | Moderate value |
| Pennsylvania | $75,000+ | $46,000-$50,000 | Moderate (96) | Good value |
| Oregon | $72,000+ | $45,000-$48,000 | High (115) | Moderate value |
| Texas | $60,000-$65,000 | $42,000-$46,000 | Low-Moderate (92) | Excellent value |
| Florida | $54,875 | $40,000-$44,000 | Moderate-High (102) | Poor value |
| Missouri | $55,132 | $38,000-$42,000 | Low (87) | Moderate value |
| Mississippi | $55,086 to $47,162 | $36,000-$40,000 | Very Low (85) | Moderate value |
Data Source: National Education Association Rankings and Estimates Report 2025, NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, State Department of Education Salary Schedules
State-level salary variations for elementary teachers reveal dramatic disparities that make geographic location perhaps the single most important factor in determining earning potential. California leads the nation with an average elementary teacher salary of $103,379, representing the only state where teachers earn six figures on average—a milestone that carries significant psychological and financial weight for educators. However, California’s exceptionally high cost of living, particularly in metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego where housing costs can consume 40-50% of take-home pay, substantially erodes this apparent advantage. A California elementary teacher earning $103,000 may experience similar or even inferior quality of life compared to a Texas teacher earning $62,000 in a market where housing costs 60% less.
New York and Massachusetts complete the top three highest-paying states, with salaries ranging from $88,903 to $95,615, though both states also feature punishing costs of living that diminish real purchasing power. Washington state presents an interesting case study, ranking among the top five for both elementary teacher salaries at $87,530-$99,320 and cost-of-living-adjusted purchasing power, making it arguably the most attractive state for elementary educators seeking to maximize both nominal income and quality of life. The bottom tier of states—Mississippi, Florida, Missouri—pay elementary teachers between $47,162 and $55,132, representing 45-55% of California salaries. Florida’s particularly troubling position at 49th nationally becomes more concerning when considering the state’s moderate-to-high cost of living in major metropolitan areas, creating a scenario where teachers earn low salaries while facing housing markets comparable to much higher-paying states. The 87% salary difference between top and bottom states creates a fragmented national teaching labor market where state borders define dramatically different career trajectories for elementary educators with identical qualifications.
Elementary Teacher Salary by Experience Level in the US 2025
| Experience Level | Years of Service | Average Annual Salary | Percentage Increase from Entry | Typical Credentials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Less than 1 year | $43,000 to $46,526 | Baseline | Bachelor’s, State Certification |
| Early Career | 1-4 years | $48,000 to $52,000 | 11.6% to 11.8% | Bachelor’s, Initial PD completed |
| Mid-Career | 5-9 years | $55,000 to $62,000 | 27.9% to 33.3% | Master’s degree (many), Advanced PD |
| Experienced | 10-19 years | $65,000 to $75,000 | 51.2% to 61.3% | Master’s + credits, Leadership roles |
| Late Career | 20+ years | $72,000 to $84,272 | 67.4% to 81.2% | Advanced degrees, Top salary lane |
| Top of Scale | 25-30 years | $84,272 average nationally | 96.0% | PhD or Master’s + 30 credits |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, PayScale Elementary Teacher Salary Analysis, Multiple District Salary Schedules, Zippia Compensation Data
Experience serves as the primary driver of salary progression for elementary teachers, with most school districts employing step-based salary schedules that provide automatic annual increases regardless of performance evaluations. A beginning elementary teacher earning $43,000-$46,526 can expect systematic raises throughout their career, reaching $72,000-$84,272 after 20-30 years of service—representing a 67-96% cumulative increase. This progression occurs most rapidly during the first decade, with teachers advancing from $46,526 at entry to approximately $62,000 by year 9-10, a 33% increase that rewards those who survive the challenging early career years when burnout rates peak and many educators exit the profession.
The mid-career phase from 5-9 years represents a critical juncture where elementary teachers typically complete master’s degrees to access higher salary lanes, resulting in the most significant percentage gains. A teacher who began at $44,000 with a bachelor’s degree and earned a master’s degree by year 6 might jump to a salary lane paying $58,000-$62,000 at the same experience level—an increase of $14,000-$18,000 that justifies the time and expense of graduate education. The experienced category spanning 10-19 years sees continued growth to $65,000-$75,000, though percentage increases moderate as teachers approach the upper ranges of salary schedules. Late-career educators with 20+ years of experience reach the top of most district pay scales at $72,000-$84,272, with the national average top salary of $84,272 typically requiring a doctorate or master’s degree plus 15-30 additional graduate credits and 25-30 years of service.
The step-based system provides predictable salary growth that supports long-term financial planning but also creates “golden handcuffs” where experienced teachers become reluctant to change districts or states, as doing so often requires restarting at lower experience levels on new salary schedules. This system also generates pay compression concerns, where teachers with decades of experience earn only 40-50% more than beginning teachers despite vastly superior skills and institutional knowledge. Some districts have attempted to address this by offering higher starting salaries to attract new talent, but this approach—exemplified by Arkansas’s LEARNS Act and Florida’s 2020 minimum salary law—has actually harmed veteran teacher compensation by reducing funds available for across-the-board raises, contributing to those states’ poor rankings in average teacher pay despite improved starting salary metrics.
Elementary Teacher Employment Statistics in the US 2025
| Employment Metric | Current Statistics | Projected Change (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Elementary Teachers Employed | 1,400,000 nationwide | -2% (declining employment) |
| Kindergarten Teachers Employed | 117,200 nationwide | Included in -2% decline |
| Average Annual Job Openings | 103,800 openings per year | Due to replacement needs |
| Job Openings from Retirements | 60-70% of openings | Large cohorts reaching retirement |
| Students Enrolled (Fall 2023) | 48,979,804 in public schools | -0.2% decline from 2022 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio National Average | 15.7 students per teacher | Varies significantly by state |
| Highest Student-Teacher Ratio | Nevada (25:1), Arizona (22.6:1) | Indicates staffing challenges |
| Lowest Student-Teacher Ratio | Vermont (10.3:1), New Hampshire (10.5:1) | Better staffing levels |
| Teachers Working Multiple Jobs | 40% of all educators | Financial necessity for many |
| Teacher Shortage Areas | 22 states report shortages | Persistent across regions |
| New Teacher Hires Annually | 180,000-200,000 estimated | Includes replacements and new positions |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024-2034, National Center for Education Statistics School Statistics 2025, NEA Rankings Report 2025, U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas
The employment landscape for elementary teachers presents a paradoxical situation: despite projected 2% employment decline through 2034, substantial job openings averaging 103,800 annually create ongoing demand for new educators. This apparent contradiction reflects the difference between net job growth (declining due to enrollment drops) and gross job openings (high due to retirements and turnover). The massive cohort of baby boomer teachers reaching retirement age drives 60-70% of annual openings, as experienced educators with 25-35 years of service exit the profession at accelerating rates. The BLS projects that virtually all 103,800 annual openings result from replacement needs rather than new position creation, meaning aspiring elementary teachers will find opportunities primarily by filling vacancies left by departing colleagues rather than staffing newly created positions.
Student enrollment trends significantly impact elementary teacher demand, with fall 2023 public school enrollment at 48,979,804 students representing a 0.2% decline from the previous year and continuing a multi-year trend of enrollment contraction. This enrollment decline stems from reduced birth rates following the 2008 financial crisis, changing demographic patterns with fewer school-age children, and migration to private schools or homeschooling accelerated by pandemic disruptions. However, enrollment declines distribute unevenly across states and districts—some urban and rural areas experience sharp drops while certain suburban and Sun Belt regions see continued growth, creating pockets of teacher surplus in some markets and persistent shortages in others.
The 22 states reporting elementary teacher shortages include both expected candidates like rural states struggling with low pay and geographic isolation, and surprising entries like New York and Pennsylvania where relatively high salaries should theoretically prevent shortages. These shortages reflect not just inadequate compensation but also challenging working conditions, lack of professional respect, administrative burdens from standardized testing regimes, and the widening teacher pay penalty that makes alternative careers increasingly attractive to college graduates. The startling statistic that 40% of elementary teachers work multiple jobs—driving for Uber, tutoring privately, working retail on weekends—underscores how even middle-class teaching salaries often prove insufficient for maintaining desired lifestyles, particularly in expensive housing markets or for teachers with significant student loan debt.
Elementary Teacher Starting Salary by State in the US 2025
| State | Average Starting Salary (2023-24) | State Ranking | Years to $50,000 | Years to $60,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $52,000 to $57,000 | 1st | Immediate | 3-5 years |
| California | $50,000 to $60,000+ | 2nd | Immediate | Immediate (many districts) |
| Massachusetts | $50,000 to $55,000 | 3rd | Immediate | 4-6 years |
| New Jersey | $50,000 to $54,000 | 4th | Immediate | 5-7 years |
| Connecticut | $48,000 to $52,000 | 5th-10th | 1-2 years | 6-8 years |
| Washington | $48,000 to $52,000 | 5th-10th | 1-2 years | 5-7 years |
| Maryland | $48,000 to $52,000 | 5th-10th | 1-2 years | 6-8 years |
| New Mexico | $50,000+ | 7th | Immediate (post-2022 raises) | 4-6 years |
| Illinois | $44,000 to $48,000 | 15th-20th | 3-5 years | 8-10 years |
| Pennsylvania | $46,000 to $50,000 | 10th-15th | 2-4 years | 7-9 years |
| Texas | $42,000 to $46,000 | 20th-30th | 4-6 years | 10-12 years |
| Florida | $40,000 to $44,000 | 30th-40th | 5-7 years | 12-15 years |
| Arkansas | $40,000+ (minimum mandated) | Variable | 5-7 years | 13-15+ years |
| Missouri | $38,000 to $42,000 | 40th-48th | 6-8 years | 15+ years |
| Mississippi | $36,000 to $40,000 | 48th-50th | 7-10 years | 15-20+ years |
Data Source: NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark Report 2023-24, State Department of Education Data, District Salary Schedules, Teacher Recruitment Reports 2025
Starting salaries for beginning elementary teachers vary dramatically by state, ranging from over $50,000 in top-paying states to below $40,000 in the lowest-paying regions—a differential exceeding $15,000-$20,000 annually that profoundly impacts career decisions for education graduates. New York leads the nation with starting salaries of $52,000-$57,000 depending on the specific district, with New York City and affluent suburban districts often exceeding this range. California closely follows at $50,000-$60,000+, with many large districts now offering starting salaries above $60,000 to compete for talent in expensive housing markets. Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut round out the top five, all offering starting salaries that meet or exceed $48,000 and provide relatively rapid progression to $50,000 within 1-2 years.
The 30% of U.S. school districts now offering starting salaries of at least $50,000—up from 23.2% the previous year—represents significant progress in making teaching financially competitive with other bachelor’s-degree-requiring careers. However, this also means 70% of districts continue offering starting salaries below $50,000, with many rural and urban high-poverty districts paying starting elementary teachers in the $36,000-$44,000 range that struggles to attract quality candidates carrying $30,000-$50,000 in student loan debt. The timeline to reach key salary milestones varies dramatically: a New York teacher reaches $50,000 immediately and $60,000 within 3-5 years, while a Mississippi teacher requires 7-10 years to hit $50,000 and potentially 15-20+ years to reach $60,000.
New Mexico represents perhaps the most dramatic improvement story, jumping from 39th to 7th in starting salary rankings within five years following the state’s historic 2022 education funding legislation. The state legislature passed additional $5,000 raises for all experience levels in March 2025, demonstrating sustained commitment to competitive teacher compensation. Conversely, Florida enacted a $47,500 minimum starting salary in 2020 that appeared progressive, yet the state has plummeted from 49th to 50th in average teacher salary because the funding mechanism prioritized starting pay while neglecting veteran teachers, creating devastating pay compression where beginning teachers earn nearly as much as colleagues with 10-15 years experience. This “wrong way” approach to raising salaries—identified by the NEA—makes headlines with improved starting salaries but ultimately harms teacher retention and average compensation.
Elementary Teacher Salary by Education Level in the US 2025
| Education Credential | Average Annual Salary | Salary Premium vs. Bachelor’s | Time to Completion | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree Only | $43,000 to $52,000 | Baseline | 4 years | $40,000-$100,000 debt |
| Bachelor’s + 15 Credits | $47,000 to $56,000 | +8% to +10% | +1 year part-time | +$10,000-$15,000 |
| Master’s Degree | $52,000 to $65,000 | +18% to +25% | +2 years | +$30,000-$50,000 |
| Master’s + 15 Credits | $57,000 to $72,000 | +28% to +35% | +3 years total | +$40,000-$60,000 |
| Master’s + 30 Credits | $62,000 to $78,000 | +38% to +48% | +4 years total | +$50,000-$70,000 |
| Doctorate Degree | $68,000 to $84,000+ | +48% to +60%+ | +5-7 years | +$70,000-$120,000 |
| National Board Certification | +$3,000 to +$10,000 stipend | Additional +6% to +12% | 1-3 years preparation | $2,000-$4,000 fees |
Data Source: NEA Salary Benchmark Analysis, Multiple District Salary Schedules, PayScale Education Compensation Data, National Board Certification Data
Advanced education credentials provide elementary teachers with substantial earning increases that compound over decades-long careers, making graduate education one of the most reliable strategies for maximizing lifetime earnings. Most school districts operate lane-based salary schedules where teachers with different educational attainment occupy different salary lanes—a teacher with a bachelor’s degree and a colleague with a master’s degree at the same experience level (say, 10 years) might earn $58,000 and $68,000 respectively, a $10,000 annual differential. Over a 30-year career, this $10,000 annual advantage generates $300,000 in additional earnings, easily justifying the $30,000-$50,000 investment in a master’s degree.
The most common credential progression sees elementary teachers beginning with bachelor’s degrees and state certifications, then completing 15 additional graduate credits within their first 3-5 years to move one salary lane higher, earning 8-10% more than bachelor’s-only colleagues. Many continue to full master’s degrees by years 5-8, generating the largest single credential boost at 18-25% salary increases. Some districts require master’s degrees for continuing certification, while others make them optional but financially incentivized through salary schedules. Teachers pursuing master’s + 15 or master’s + 30 additional credits access the highest salary lanes below doctorates, with 38-48% premiums over bachelor’s-only salaries that can mean earning $75,000-$80,000 versus $52,000-$58,000 at similar experience levels.
Doctorate degrees—whether EdD (Education Doctorate) or PhD—provide access to the absolute top salary lanes in most districts, though relatively few K-12 elementary teachers pursue terminal degrees given the substantial time and cost involved. Those who do typically transition into administrative roles (principal, curriculum coordinator, district leadership) or university faculty positions rather than remaining classroom teachers, as the salary premium for doctorates in K-12 teaching often proves insufficient to justify the investment. National Board Certification, achieved through a rigorous 1-3 year performance-based assessment process, provides $3,000-$10,000 annual stipends in most states—effectively a 6-12% raise—while signaling teaching excellence that can enhance advancement opportunities. The ROI on graduate education varies by state and district, with high-paying districts offering larger lane differentials making master’s degrees more financially attractive than in low-paying districts where the salary boost may barely cover loan payments.
Elementary Teacher Benefits and Total Compensation in the US 2025
| Benefit Category | Value/Description | Percentage of Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $62,340 median (BLS May 2024) | 65-70% of total package |
| Health Insurance | $15,000-$22,000 employer contribution | 12-18% |
| Pension Contributions | 10-15% of salary employer contribution | 8-12% |
| Social Security/Medicare | 7.65% employer match | 6-8% |
| Paid Time Off | 10-15 sick days, 2-3 personal days | 3-5% |
| Summer Break | 10-week paid summer (included in annual salary) | Part of work calendar |
| Professional Development | $500-$2,500 annually | 1-2% |
| Life Insurance | $50,000-$100,000 coverage | <1% |
| Tuition Assistance | $2,000-$6,000 for advanced degrees | Variable |
| Tenure Protection | After 3-5 years satisfactory service | Job security value |
Data Source: NEA Benefit Analysis 2025, School District Collective Bargaining Agreements, Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey, Teacher Benefits Studies
The true value of elementary teacher compensation extends significantly beyond base salary to include comprehensive benefits packages that enhance total compensation by 30-40% when properly calculated. An elementary teacher earning a $62,340 median salary receives total compensation valued at approximately $85,000-$90,000 when accounting for employer-provided health insurance, pension contributions, Social Security matching, paid time off, and other benefits. Health insurance represents one of the most valuable benefits, with employers typically contributing $15,000-$22,000 annually toward premiums for comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—a benefit increasingly rare in the private sector where employees often bear larger shares of premium costs or receive high-deductible plans with limited coverage.
Pension systems constitute another critical component distinguishing teaching from most private sector employment. Public school teachers in most states participate in defined-benefit pension plans where employers contribute 10-15% of salary (approximately $6,200-$9,300 annually on a $62,000 salary) toward guaranteed lifetime retirement income. These pensions typically vest after 5-10 years and provide monthly payments based on final average salary and years of service—commonly calculated as 2% × years of service × final average salary. An elementary teacher retiring after 30 years with a final average salary of $75,000 would receive approximately $45,000 annually (60% replacement rate) for life, indexed for inflation in many states. This defined-benefit structure provides retirement security far superior to 401(k) plans where investment risk falls entirely on employees.
The 10-month work calendar represents another form of compensation, with elementary teachers working traditional school years of approximately 180 instruction days plus professional development, parent conferences, and preparation time, totaling roughly 200 working days versus 230-250 for most year-round professionals. The 10-week summer break, winter holidays, and spring break provide flexibility for family time, professional development, or supplemental employment, though debates persist about whether this schedule truly represents an advantage given teachers’ substantial evening and weekend work during the school year. Tenure protections available after 3-5 years in most states provide job security uncommon in private employment, protecting teachers from arbitrary dismissal and providing career stability that partially compensates for lower salaries relative to comparably educated professionals. These combined benefits create compensation packages that, while not matching private sector salaries for similarly educated workers, offer predictability, comprehensive healthcare, retirement security, and work-life balance valued by many educators.
Elementary Teacher Salary by Metropolitan Area in the US 2025
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary | Cost of Living Index | Adjusted Real Salary | Housing Cost Burden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $95,000-$105,000 | 197 | $48,223-$53,299 | 45-55% of income |
| San Francisco-Oakland, CA | $90,000-$98,000 | 184 | $48,913-$53,261 | 40-50% of income |
| New York-Newark, NY-NJ | $85,000-$95,000 | 187 | $45,455-$50,802 | 35-45% of income |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA | $85,000-$92,000 | 146 | $58,219-$63,014 | 35-45% of income |
| Boston-Cambridge, MA | $80,000-$90,000 | 151 | $52,980-$59,603 | 30-40% of income |
| Washington DC-Arlington, VA-MD | $75,000-$85,000 | 140 | $53,571-$60,714 | 28-38% of income |
In 2025, elementary teacher salaries across major U.S. metropolitan areas show wide variation depending on regional cost of living. Teachers in San Jose, California, earn the highest with salaries ranging from $95,000 to $105,000, followed closely by San Francisco-Oakland at $90,000 to $98,000. However, both cities have extremely high cost-of-living indexes (197 and 184, respectively), reducing real adjusted earnings to around $48,000–$53,000 after accounting for expenses. New York-Newark teachers make about $85,000–$95,000, but again, the high living costs cut effective income nearly in half. In Los Angeles, annual pay averages $85,000–$92,000, with teachers spending roughly 35–45% of their income on housing.
Meanwhile, Boston-Cambridge, Washington D.C.-Arlington, and Seattle-Tacoma report average salary ranges between $75,000 and $90,000, with slightly better cost-of-living adjustments. In Boston, teachers earn around $80,000–$90,000, while in Washington D.C., the average is $75,000–$85,000, offering a more balanced housing cost burden of about 28–38% of income. Although these cities provide strong pay relative to national averages, the real value of teacher salaries continues to be affected by regional inflation and housing expenses, showing that higher nominal wages don’t always translate into higher purchasing power for educators in large metropolitan areas.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
