Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
SOC code 25-2021 · O*NET-SOC 25-2021.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Education and library
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation
Teaching requires a bachelor's degree and a state licence, usually through an approved teacher-preparation program with supervised classroom hours. Pay is set by district salary schedules, so the same job pays very differently across states and districts.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$63,970
a year
Hourly
—
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$72,650
— per hour
Middle 50%
$57,710 – $81,450
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$47,960 – $104,340
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
1,388,390
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $47,960
- —/hr
- 25th percentile
- $57,710
- —/hr
- Median percentile
- $63,970
- —/hr
- 75th percentile
- $81,450
- —/hr
- 90th percentile
- $104,340
- —/hr
What do elementary school teachers, except special education do?
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Read books to entire classes or small groups.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 78% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree78%
- Master's Degree22%
Common questions
How much does an elementary school teachers, except special education earn?
The national median is $63,970 a year. The full range runs from $47,960 at the 10th percentile to $104,340 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an elementary school teachers, except special education without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Learning Strategies4.3/5
- Speaking4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Monitoring4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Writing3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.9/5
- Education and Training4.8/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Psychology3.7/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination.