Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
SOC: 25-2021 O*NET: 25-2021.00
Median Salary
$62,340
per year
Job Growth
📉 -2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
91
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
What does a Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,440
10th percentile
Early Career
$50,680
25th percentile
Median
$62,340
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,410
75th percentile
Top Earners
$102,010
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,440
25th
$50,680
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$62,340
Mean: $69,790
75th
$79,410
90th
$102,010
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $55,570 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $50,680 and $79,410
- •Salary spread is 46.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 1,393,310 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,422,700
Top Industries
Educational Services11.3%
Elementary and Secondary Schools11.2%
Social Assistance0.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-2%
Annual Openings:91,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,422,700
Current
2034 (Projected)1,394,800
-2%
-27,900
Employment Change
-2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
141,650 jobs$98,1900.87x
Texas
124,430 jobs$61,3800.99x
New York
103,920 jobs$82,4801.21x
Florida
78,630 jobs$55,5500.89x
Illinois
61,000 jobs$64,1601.11x
Ohio
50,110 jobs$65,3801.00x
Pennsylvania
47,220 jobs$74,1600.87x
North Carolina
44,040 jobs$49,4000.99x
Georgia
42,440 jobs$63,4900.97x
New Jersey
42,360 jobs$77,1501.10x
Missouri
40,380 jobs$48,2501.53x
Michigan
40,200 jobs$62,3501.01x
Virginia
37,640 jobs$62,2701.02x
Maryland
32,330 jobs$74,7201.30x
Massachusetts
32,100 jobs$83,2600.98x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Instructing
100%
#2
Learning Strategies
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Social Perceptiveness
66%
#7
Critical Thinking
60%
#8
Reading Comprehension
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Instructing
advanced5.0
100%
Learning Strategies
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.3
66%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.0
60%
Reading Comprehension
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Instructing
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Learning Strategies
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School100%
5 shared skills
Training and Development Managers100%
5 shared skills
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors82%
5 shared skills
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School82%
5 shared skills
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Choreographers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Critical Thinking
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Learning Strategies
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Docs
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Google Docs
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (6)Planning & Development (3)Training & Development (3)Communication & Coordination (1)General Responsibilities (7)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development91% perform94%
5
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development85% perform90%
7
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination82% perform88%
8
Assign and grade class work and homework.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Read books to entire classes or small groups.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education professionals typically have a SAC Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
AArtistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.88
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.81
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.77
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.76
Persistence
CriticalPersistence
Importance Level4.74
Initiative
CriticalInitiative
Importance Level4.70
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.9
Integrity
4.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.8
Concern for Others
4.8
Persistence
4.7
Initiative
4.7
Self-Control
4.7
Leadership
4.6
Cooperation
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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