Teacher Salary

Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lewiston, ID: $49,288 (2026)

Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Lewiston, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,288 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lewiston's local price level (BEA RPP 91.29% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,068 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,233) within a few years of clinical practice.

$49,288
Starting Salary
$23.70/hr
Starting Hourly
$49,288
Entry Level
$65,233
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

New graduates entering the field of elementary education in Lewiston, ID, can anticipate an entry-level salary starting at around $49,288 in 2026. This initial pay is considerably lower than the city median of $65,233, indicating a gap that many new teachers may need to navigate in their first few years. Educational professionals often see their salaries rise as they gain experience and additional credentials, with potential earnings reaching approximately $61,426 as they surpass the lower quarter of the pay scale. Given the local demand for teachers and the relatively affordable cost of living index in Lewiston, new grad elementary school teacher pay in Idaho presents a viable opportunity for those entering the profession.

Career Earnings Timeline in Lewiston

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$49,288/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$61,426/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$65,233/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$81,269/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lewiston

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for elementary school teachers in Lewiston. The median salary is $65,233, compared to the national median of $64,597.$44.4K$61.1K$77.9K$94.7K$111.5K$49.3K10th Pctl$61.4K25th Pctl$65.2KMedian$81.3K75th Pctl$106.2K90th PctlUS Median$64.6K

Entry-level elementary school teachers in Lewiston, ID typically start between $49,288 and $61,426 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,862 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,2330.98% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$40,000
Avg ID Program Cost
$49,288
Starting Salary
81.16%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average education program cost in Idaho of $40,000 represents just 81.16% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($49,288/year) in Lewiston. 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 Lewiston

  • 1Research the Lewiston market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $49,288 to $61,426, 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 Lewiston, 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 Lewiston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Lewiston'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 Lewiston is $56,862 ( 115.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,288, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,150.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$30,800

2025 BLS Actual

$48,810

2026 Current Est.

$49,288

2019–2027 Growth

+61.6%

Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lewiston (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 Lewiston. Baseline $30,800 in 2025, projected to $49,771 by 2027.$25.1K$32.3K$39.5K$46.7K$53.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$30.8K$29.2K$39.9K$47.9K$45.0K$47.6K$48.8K$49.3K$49.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$30,800Actual
2020$29,190Actual
2021$39,880Actual
2022$47,880Actual
2023$45,000Actual
2024$47,610Actual
2025$48,810Actual
2026(current)$49,288Estimated
2027$49,771Projected

Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Lewiston, ID grew 58.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,800 in 2019 to $48,810 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,771. New graduates entering the Lewiston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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 Lewiston

Employers in Lewiston who are looking to hire newly graduated teachers typically include local public school districts which conduct centralized hiring processes requiring state licensure verification. Charter schools may also recruit fresh talent through alternative certification programs and initiatives like Teach for America, which positions corps members in high-need environments. To enhance starting salaries, candidates should focus on meeting the necessary credentials, such as completing a state-approved teacher preparation program and earning a state teaching license. Alternative certification routes and advanced qualifications, like a Master's degree or National Board Certification, can also provide a boost in pay. Understanding the step-and-lane pay structure in public schools is crucial, as it emphasizes experience and education level, allowing teachers to plan their career trajectory effectively. For new educators in Lewiston, career strategies in the first few years should prioritize professional development and potential for upward movement, with a realistic salary growth pattern reflecting both local conditions and the broader educational landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Lewiston in 2026?

Entry-level elementary school teachers in Lewiston start at approximately $49,288/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 $23.70/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 Lewiston?

Most elementary school teachers in Lewiston progress from the entry-level salary of $49,288 to the area median of $65,233 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $106,150 (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 Lewiston?

With a starting salary of $49,288/year in Lewiston 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 Lewiston?

New education graduates in Lewiston typically start near the 10th percentile at $49,288/year, or approximately $23.70/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 Lewiston. 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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