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Elementary School Teacher Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a elementary school teacher make in Chicago? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.

Median Salary
$75,020
per year in Chicago
Entry Level
$50,820
Starting salary
Senior Level
$102,850
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how elementary school teacher salaries break down across different pay periods in Chicago.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$50,820$75,020$102,850
Monthly$4,235$6,252$8,571
Biweekly$1,955$2,885$3,956
Weekly$977$1,443$1,978
Hourly$24$36$49

Chicago vs National Average

How Chicago's elementary school teacher salaries compare to national figures.

Chicago Salary
$75,020
COL Index: 112
National Average
$63,160
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$11,860
Higher in Chicago

Cost of Living in Chicago

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$58,984
per year
Population
2,693,976
residents
Rent % of Income
34.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chicago have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Elementary School Teacher

Overview

Teach core subjects to elementary school students.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or subject area; Teaching certification required

Key Skills

Curriculum DevelopmentStudent AssessmentCommunicationClassroom Management

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Elementary School Teacher Salary

See Elementary School Teacher salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$95,240
+27%
Los Angeles, CA
$100,580
+34%
Houston, TX
$61,950
-17%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,070
-20%
Philadelphia, PA
$74,480
-1%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Elementary School Teacher Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a elementary school teacher in Chicago, IL is $75,020 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level elementary school teacher professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $50,820 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level elementary school teachers earning approximately $102,850 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $63,160, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a elementary school teacher's salary in Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 27.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Elementary School Teachers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Chicago, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.