How much does a elementary teacher make?
Answer: A typical elementary teacher in the United States makes $63,970 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 1.4 million people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Elementary teacher pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $47,960 | $63,970 | $104,340 | about 1.4 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $102,350 | about 29,000 |
| California | $99,650 | about 155,000 |
| District of Columbia | $96,580 | about 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $94,000 | about 30,000 |
| Rhode Island | $90,930 | about 4,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., many public-school districts set pay steps by teaching experience and education, while pay also differs by state and district. Pay can also vary between public and private schools; public schools require a state license to teach.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a elementary teacher do?
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050) and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).
What's a typical day like?
They lead reading, math, and science lessons, switching between whole-class teaching and small groups while watching students learn. During breaks or after school, they grade work, prepare lessons, and meet with families or coworkers.
How to get this job
In the U.S., earn a bachelor's degree and complete teacher training with student teaching; another major can work if you add a teacher-preparation program. Then pass your state's required tests and background check and get a public-school license for your grade.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and creating.
Did you know?
Some U.S. teachers in year-round schools work for nine weeks, then take a three-week break instead of one long summer vacation.
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Educational Instruction and Library jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-schoo
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2021.00
- nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=28
- www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-12/comparing-occupational-employment-and-wages.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY