Elementary School Teacher Salary By Experience |
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| Experience Level | Low Hourly | High Hourly | Low Annual | High Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 Year | $11.59 | $21.59 | $24,100 | $44,900.00 |
| 1-5 Years | $11.93 | $22.26 | $24,820.00 | $46,300.00 |
| 5-10 Years | $14.09 | $26.06 | $29,300.00 | $54,200.00 |
| 10-20 Years | $15.43 | $34.05 | $32,100.00 | $70,820.00 |
| 20 Years + | $16.97 | $39.09 | $35,300.00 | $81,300.00 |
Elementary school teachers educate students with basic knowledge in general subject areas to help them prepare for high school. Aside from teaching them basic mathematics, English, history, and science, elementary school teachers also help their students acquire social skills, good manners, and proper behavior. Many elementary school teachers now employ various learning techniques to further improve the learning capacities and capabilities of their students, including hands-on approaches.
The majority of elementary teachers handle a class of very young students and it is not surprising that teachers spend most of their time in one classroom. If the students have a class with other teachers, their supervising teacher escorts them to their assigned classroom.
Because teachers usually function as the students' guardians, they always maintain open communication lines with the parents, giving them student assessments and grade reports. In some instances, concerned teachers also work with parents to address difficult and sensitive issues that might affect the students' classroom behavior and social interaction.
Many elementary school teachers are also certified ESL (English as Second Language) educators. They cater to students who are still grasping how the English language works. Some elementary teachers also have certifications in working with students with disabilities. These teachers are highly trained in teaching students with disabilities by employing effective teaching strategies designed for such learners.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 1,415,590 kindergarten and elementary school teachers in the country and they are making a median salary of $52,840 per year. Teachers in the top 10 percent of the demographic earn at least $81,230 per year. Those in the bottom 10 percent are making less than $34,910 per annum.
Listed below are the top employing industries for elementary school teachers and the corresponding salary rates:
| Industry Sector | Salary |
|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $55,290 |
| Employment Services | N/A |
| Religious Organizations | $44,520 |
| Individual and Family Services | $59,420 |
| Child Day Care Services | $44,090 |
Listed below are the top paying industries:
| Industry Sector | Salary |
|---|---|
| Individual and Family Services | $59,420 |
| Other Schools and Instruction | $56,740 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $55,290 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $52,870 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $48,820 |
The data shown above points that the elementary schools employ the largest concentration of elementary school teachers at 1,404,490. The average pay of $55,290 is not bad either, as it is significantly higher than the national average. Though the income potential in establishments that offer individual and family services is enticing, the employment rate is very low as there are only 1,090 teachers connected to such companies.
A college degree in elementary education is needed to qualify for entry level positions. Most employers require candidates to be specialized in a certain subject such as math, science, and history. Elementary education is a regulated profession and each state has its own criteria and regulations for licensure and certification.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a 17 percent growth in the employment of elementary teachers from 2010 to 2020. The said agency predicts that the total number of these professionals in the country will shoot to 1,937,200 by 2020 from 1,655,800 in 2010. The demand for teachers is spurred by the increase of incoming elementary students within the 2010-2020 decade due to the growing population in the United States.
Advancement options for elementary school teachers include becoming lead teachers, guidance counselors, school librarians, and school principals. In most cases, teachers aspiring to advance may need to get higher education and achieve additional teaching certifications.
Listed are occupations closely related to the elementary school teacher profession:
Becoming an elementary school teacher is a noble endeavor. Teachers of young children must have excellent communication and instructional skills, as well as a high level of creativity and patience. This profession allows you to guide young learners and help them prepare for more advanced learning once they graduate. It is a hard task to educate youngsters but most teachers find it a fulfilling profession nevertheless, as they have the opportunity to inspire a love of learning in young students for life.