Elementary Teacher Salaries

The teaching profession gets a bad rap in the U.S. when it comes to salary expectations. But, if you look at the statistics, you might be surprised at what you find. If you want to become an elementary school teacher, rest assured that you can make a highly competitive wage and live a comfortable life on your elementary teacher salary.

Elementary School Teacher Salaries in the US

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean elementary teacher salary in 2008 was $52,240. That's almost $10,000 more annually than the average full-time worker. And with teachers on the low-end earning $33,400 and some earning more than $78,030, your income opportunities are significant.

• U.S. Average Elementary Teacher Salaries 2005: $46,990
• U.S. Average Elementary Teacher Salaries 2006: $48,700
• U.S. Average Elementary Teacher Salaries 2007: $50,040
• U.S. Average Elementary Teacher Salaries 2008: $52,240

Elementary Teacher Salaries by Location

Elementary teacher salaries in the U.S. vary widely depending on location. This is because a teacher salary reflects the cost-of-living in an area as well as job and school description. Here are average teacher salaries for some major American cities in 2008:

• Los Angeles, California: $61,750
• Washington D.C.: $64,470
• Miami, Florida: $51,250
• Atlanta, Georgia: $52,280
• Chicago, Illinois: $56,960
• Boston, Massachusetts: $60,670
• St. Louis, Missouri: $49,270
• New York, New York: $65,120
• Cincinnati, Ohio: $53,570
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: $53,160
• Dallas, Texas: $47,630
• Seattle, Washington: $54,630

Additional Teacher Benefits

Some areas are currently experiencing a teacher shortage—especially in the subject areas of math, science, Spanish and special education—so districts with those teaching needs offer special teacher perks such as signing bonuses, housing assistance, continuing education classes and even free at-school child care to attract and retain quality teachers.

Elementary Teachers Get Summers Off

Something to keep in mind when considering elementary teacher salaries is the fact that they receive over 12 weeks of vacation per year on average. In fact, in 2006, elementary school teachers worked an average of 1,393 hours per year. And, with most full-time workers spending over 2,000 hours per year at work, the per-hour wage is actually higher for teachers than it is for other occupations.

Many teachers who choose to work during the summer can significantly increase their annual salary. Some prefer to follow other interests, but teaching opportunities that take place in the summer include teaching summer school, tutoring and leading summer programs at community centers or learning institutions. For more information, see "The Truth About Teacher Salaries."

Make the Most Out of Your Teacher Salary

If you are considering becoming an elementary teacher, you have many education options. Most private schools do not require state or national certification of their teachers, so you may be able to get a teaching job by simply obtaining a bachelor's degree. However, teacher salaries increase significantly with additional education, certification and experience. National Board certified elementary teachers with a master's degree in teaching can expect much more impressive compensation packages than beginner teachers with minimal education. See our Teacher Salary Secrets article for tips on how to maximize your teaching salary.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics