Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Moscow, ID: $44,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Moscow, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,794 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moscow's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,003 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,210) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Moscow, Idaho, presents a starting point for new elementary school teachers with entry-level salaries beginning around $44,794 in 2026. While this figure may be modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $60,210, it does represent a viable launchpad for recent graduates. The growth potential for these educators is noteworthy, as salaries can increase to approximately $53,406 within the first few years. This gradual rise, along with the city's affordable cost of living index at 95.3, suggests that Moscow may be an attractive opportunity for new grads seeking their first teaching position amid a stable job market. Balancing salary expectations with the local economy, aspiring teachers can navigate these entry-level starting figures effectively.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moscow
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 Moscow
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Moscow, ID typically start between $44,794 and $53,406 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,532 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,210 — 6.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Idaho of $40,000 represents just 89.30% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($44,794/year) in Moscow. 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 Moscow
- 1Research the Moscow market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $44,794 to $53,406, 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 Moscow, 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 Moscow for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moscow'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 Moscow is $48,532 ( 108.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,794, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,326.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,090
2025 BLS Actual
$44,359
2026 Current Est.
$44,794
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Moscow (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,434 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,359 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,233 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Moscow, ID grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,090 in 2019 to $44,359 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,233. New graduates entering the Moscow job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow 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 Moscow
Several key employers in Moscow actively hire new graduates for elementary teaching positions. Public school districts are the most significant recruiters, requiring candidates to complete district-level applications and obtain state license verification. Charter networks may offer alternative certification pathways, potentially appealing to those looking for non-traditional routes into the classroom. While institutions like Teach for America provide placements in high-need schools, the military also has openings with DoDEA at overseas bases, which typically come with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). To enhance starting salaries, educators should focus on obtaining a bachelor’s degree and completing a state-approved teacher preparation program. Additionally, passing state-required exams like the Praxis can substantially impact pay potential. Within the first few years, educators can expect modest salary growth as public school pay generally aligns with the step-and-lane scale, rewarding years of experience and educational advancement. Focusing on credentials such as National Board Certification or pursuing an advanced degree can significantly aid in accessing higher pay brackets over time.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Moscow in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Moscow?
Is education school worth it in Moscow?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Moscow?
How do I become a elementary school teacher in Idaho?
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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 Moscow. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moscow is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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