How to Become an Elementary School Teacher
Teach the academic and social foundations children build on, owning a classroom across every core subject. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $63,970 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$63,970/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
91,000
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Lesson Planning
- Learning Strategies
- Classroom Management
- Assessment
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- State teaching licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Elementary School Teacher make?
The median pay for an Elementary School Teacher is $63,970 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Elementary School Teacher?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Elementary Education, Education, and Child Development.
Is Elementary School Teacher a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 91,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Elementary School Teacher use most?
Common skills for this role are Lesson Planning, Learning Strategies, Classroom Management, Assessment, and Communication.
Planning to become a Elementary School Teacher?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.