Teach academic and social skills to students in kindergarten through 6th grade. Work at the elementary school level in general-education classrooms; special education is classified as a separate occupation.
Pay
$47,960
Lower reported wage
$63,970
Median
$104,340
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.
A bachelor’s degree is typical. Teacher-preparation programs include supervised student teaching.
Public-school teachers need the appropriate state certificate or license. Required exams, background checks, and other conditions vary.
If you already have another bachelor’s degree, investigate state-approved alternative certification. Some routes allow supervised teaching while completing coursework; others require coursework first.
Public-school licensing is specific to the state and grade range. Private-school teachers generally are not required to hold a state license. Do not assume one Praxis test or one renewal rule applies everywhere; check the state education agency.[1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
About this data
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (25-2021): BLS OEWS May 2025 annual United States median (50th percentile) $63,970. The lower and upper figures are the published 10th and 90th percentiles. They describe the wage distribution, not starting or senior pay. Wage figures reviewed October 27, 2026. Source: https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/?areas=INDUSTRY,STATE,MSA&major_group=250000&measure=01&occupation=252021 . Employment and growth retain their existing source periods and were not refreshed in this wage review.
SOC 25-2021BLS EP 2025-35Verified 2026-04-28View on BLS
Student teaching is part of preparation. Some alternative routes permit teaching under supervision while completing education requirements; pay and eligibility must be checked with that program and employer.[1]
Costs to check before enrolling
Ask about tuition, placement hours, whether student teaching is paid, transport, background checks, exams, and license renewal. Compare the employer’s actual annual calendar and pay schedule.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
Majors and routes to explore
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
A common teacher-preparation route. Confirm the program is approved for the state and grades you intend to teach.[1]
Daily life
What you would do
Plan lessons in subjects such as reading and mathematics, teach and adapt activities, assess progress, manage the classroom, and communicate with families.[1]
Where you could work
Public or private elementary schools. Classroom needs differ with student ages, learning needs, and available resources.[1]
Hours and flexibility
School-day teaching often comes with evening or weekend preparation and grading. Many follow a 10-month school year, but summer and year-round schedules vary.[1]
Physical and emotional demands
Working with children requires patience and physical, mental, and emotional stamina. Large classes or limited resources can make the work stressful.[1]
How you could advance
Experienced teachers may become mentors or lead teachers. Instructional coordination or school leadership generally requires additional education or credentials.[1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.
Questions to ask yourself and an employer
Would daily work with children and families energize me?
Can I allow time beyond the school day for planning and grading?
