Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Moline, IL: $48,180 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,180 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,619 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,357) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the teaching field in Moline, Illinois, can expect an entry-level salary positioned at around $48,180 in 2026. This starting figure is considerably lower than the city's median salary of $63,357, creating a noticeable gap that may require new teachers to adjust their financial expectations. However, as one progresses from an entry-level position to the 25th percentile earning $57,167, there is a clear growth trajectory within the first few years of employment. With the anticipated annual growth rate of 0.98%, Moline presents an opportunity for new educators to build their careers and see salary increases. Overall, while the entry-level elementary school teacher salary in Moline may not be the highest compared to the national average of $64,597, the community offers a stable market for those at the beginning of their teaching journey.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Moline, IL typically start between $48,180 and $57,167 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,734 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,357 — 1.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Illinois of $72,000 represents just 149.44% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($48,180/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $48,180 to $57,167, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline'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 Moline is $49,734 ( 103.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,180, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,914.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,818
2025 BLS Actual
$47,712
2026 Current Est.
$48,180
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,723 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,235 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,717 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,712 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,180 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,652 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,818 in 2019 to $47,712 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,652. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
In Moline, several school districts are actively seeking newly certified teachers, with public school systems typically being the most significant employers. New educators often navigate the application process through district-level postings alongside ensuring their state certification is up-to-date. Charter networks can also play a role, sometimes hiring through non-traditional certification pathways, while organizations like Teach for America embed teachers in high-need areas. For aspiring elementary school teachers in Illinois, obtaining a Bachelor's degree, a state teaching license in a relevant content area, and passing required exams such as the Praxis or edTPA are essential steps to secure the best starting pay. Establishing a successful career strategy within the first few years involves understanding the nuances of the public school pay scale, where compensation grows with experience and education levels. In this landscape, expectations should reflect realistic increments, as teachers may see modest increases aligned with district budgets, especially in Moline's competitive hiring environment.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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