How much does an elementary teacher make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical elementary teacher in the United States makes $63,970 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $47,960 and $104,340How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like helping and teaching and creating
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($102,350), lowest in Oklahoma ($48,200).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
In Japan, a school teacher (K-9) averages $49,011. Elementary teacher salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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).
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