Elementary Education

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

The number of students enrolling in public kindergarten and elementary schools is expected to decrease over the projections decade. However, as parents and teachers support smaller class sizes, the number of classes should remain stable and result in a need for more teachers of students in these schools.

Employment growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers also will depend on state and local government budgets. If state and local governments experience budget deficits, they may lay off employees, including teachers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for elementary school teachers, except special education was $61,690 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,310.

The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers, except special education was $60,490 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,620, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,020.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for elementary school teachers, except special education in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

In May 2022, the median annual wages for kindergarten teachers, except special education in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers generally work during school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons.

Many kindergarten and elementary school teachers work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work during the summer.

Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then have a break for 3 weeks before starting a new school session.