Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $47,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,208 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,002 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,679) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Idaho Falls presents a promising opportunity for new graduates entering the teaching profession. In 2026, entry-level elementary school teachers can expect starting salaries around $47,208, a figure that reflects the initial value of this career path. While this is significantly below the median salary of $61,679 in Idaho Falls, new teachers can anticipate a growth trajectory that can see their earnings rise to approximately $49,591 within a few years as they gain experience and make strides in their professional development. Additionally, the cost of living index in Idaho Falls is below the national average, making it an appealing market for new grad elementary school teacher pay in ID, especially for those looking to establish a firm foundation in their teaching careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
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 Idaho Falls
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $47,208 and $49,591 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,880 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,679 — 4.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Idaho of $40,000 represents just 84.73% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($47,208/year) in Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $47,208 to $49,591, 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 Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls's below-average 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 Idaho Falls is $31,880 ( 67.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,208, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,088.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,260
2025 BLS Actual
$46,750
2026 Current Est.
$47,208
2019–2027 Growth
+68.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,671 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 65.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,260 in 2019 to $46,750 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,671. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
To secure a position, recent graduates should explore opportunities with local public school districts, which typically hire through district-level applications and require state license verification. Charters like KIPP and Success Academy sometimes offer alternative certification pathways that can expedite entry into teaching roles. Additionally, organizations like Teach for America position corps members in schools with high needs, providing valuable experience. Credentials such as a Bachelor's degree, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, and passing state-required exams are crucial for boosting starting pay in Idaho. For those considering long-term growth, pursuing a Master’s degree or National Board Certification can be advantageous. Given that public school salaries follow a step-and-lane structure, realistic expectations for salary growth within the first few years hinge on experience and education level, with special education and STEM teachers often receiving additional stipends. Thus, new educators in Idaho Falls can expect to see tangible progress in their earnings, reflective of their commitment to the profession.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Idaho Falls. 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