Teacher Salary

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 98.32% 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.

$49,258
Starting Salary
$23.68/hr
Starting Hourly
$49,258
Entry Level
$64,173
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Elementary School Teacher Entry Level Salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Coeur d'Alene, ID elementary school teacher entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$49,258/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$52,439/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$64,173/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$74,049/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coeur d'Alene

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for elementary school teachers in Coeur d'Alene. The median salary is $64,173, compared to the national median of $64,597.$44.3K$55.3K$66.3K$77.3K$88.2K$49.3K10th Pctl$52.4K25th Pctl$64.2KMedian$74.0K75th Pctl$84.0K90th PctlUS Median$64.6K

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 $64,1730.66% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of elementary school teacher pay in the Coeur d'Alene metro area.

Return on Investment

$40,000
Avg ID Program Cost
$49,258
Starting Salary
81.21%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for elementary school teachers in Coeur d'Alene. Baseline $27,880 in 2025, projected to $49,741 by 2027.$23.5K$31.2K$38.8K$46.5K$54.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$27.9K$35.8K$38.0K$45.3K$47.1K$36.4K$48.8K$49.3K$49.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$27,880Actual
2020$35,800Actual
2021$37,990Actual
2022$45,310Actual
2023$47,150Actual
2024$36,410Actual
2025$48,780Actual
2026(current)$49,258Estimated
2027$49,741Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Coeur d'Alene in 2026?

Entry-level elementary school teachers in Coeur d'Alene start at approximately $49,258/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 0.98% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $23.68/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Coeur d'Alene?

Most elementary school teachers in Coeur d'Alene progress from the entry-level salary of $49,258 to the area median of $64,173 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $84,046 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is education school worth it in Coeur d'Alene?

With a starting salary of $49,258/year in Coeur d'Alene and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new elementary school teachers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Coeur d'Alene?

New education graduates in Coeur d'Alene typically start near the 10th percentile at $49,258/year, or approximately $23.68/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a elementary school teacher in Idaho?

To become a licensed elementary school teacher in Idaho, you typically need bachelor's degree in education plus state teaching license, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Idaho, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some elementary school teachers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Idaho

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

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

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