Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID: $49,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Coeur d'Alene, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,258 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coeur d'Alene's local price level (BEA RPP 98.3 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,113 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,173) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

In Coeur d'Alene, ID, new graduates entering the teaching profession can expect an entry-level elementary school teacher salary starting around $49,258 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the projected salary range, significantly below the median salary of $64,173 for elementary school teachers in the area. For recent graduates, this initial salary represents a solid foundation, but it highlights a clear gap to the city’s median pay, indicating room for growth as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, teachers can anticipate gradual increases, transitioning through salary points that average around $52,439 before they reach the median. With a growth projection of 0.98% annually, Coeur d'Alene presents a stable job market for new teachers, making it an attractive location for those just beginning their careers in education.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coeur d'Alene
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coeur d'Alene
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Coeur d'Alene, ID typically start between $49,258 and $52,439 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,788 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,173 — 0.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Idaho of $40,000 represents just 81.21% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($49,258/year) in Coeur d'Alene. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Coeur d'Alene
- 1Research the Coeur d'Alene market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $49,258 to $52,439, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coeur d'Alene, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Coeur d'Alene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coeur d'Alene's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Coeur d'Alene is $34,788 ( 70.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,258, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,046.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,880
2025 BLS Actual
$48,780
2026 Current Est.
$49,258
2019–2027 Growth
+78.4%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Coeur d'Alene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,741 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene, ID grew 75.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,880 in 2019 to $48,780 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,741. New graduates entering the Coeur d'Alene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your education Career in Coeur d'Alene
Newly minted educators in Coeur d'Alene can find employment primarily with public school districts, which typically conduct hiring through centralized applications requiring state license verification. Charter schools, such as those operated by networks like KIPP, attract new talent through alternative certification pathways, offering a mix of teaching experiences. Additionally, programs like Teach for America place corps members in high-need areas, providing a two-year commitment that can bolster their professional development. To boost starting salaries, candidates should ensure they have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program, possess growth-oriented credentials like a master's degree, or pursue state-specific certifications and passing scores on required exams. As teachers enter their first few years, they should recognize that salary growth occurs primarily through the structured step-and-lane pay scale, with an opportunity for additional stipends in areas like special education or STEM, which are often in high demand. Realistically, even after entering the workforce, educators should plan for their earnings to rise steadily, but it may take concerted effort and strategic positioning at their schools to realize significant financial advancement in those formative years.
More salary data for Coeur d'Alene, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Coeur d'Alene in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Coeur d'Alene?
Is education school worth it in Coeur d'Alene?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Coeur d'Alene?
How do I become a elementary school teacher in Idaho?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Idaho
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Coeur d'Alene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov