Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Burlington, IA: $47,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,205 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,218 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,669) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an entry-level elementary school teacher salary in Burlington projected at $47,205 for 2026, new graduates entering the teaching profession will want to manage their expectations. This starting salary falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $59,669, highlighting a gap that educators may need to bridge in their early years. However, there is potential for growth within this role, as teachers can expect to progress to a salary of $54,968 at the 25th percentile and move towards the median as they gain experience. The growth trajectory appears stable, providing a positive outlook for new educators in Burlington, which currently offers a relatively affordable cost of living with a community-focused approach to education. For recent graduates, this city can represent a viable entry point into the profession, particularly for those who prioritize local community engagement alongside their teaching careers.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Burlington, IA typically start between $47,205 and $54,968 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,626 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,669 — 7.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Iowa of $45,000 represents just 95.33% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($47,205/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $47,205 to $54,968, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $44,626 ( 94.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,205, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,831.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,033
2025 BLS Actual
$46,747
2026 Current Est.
$47,205
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,018 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,838 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,772 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,302 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,668 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,033 in 2019 to $46,747 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,668. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, various employers are eager to onboard new grads into elementary education, primarily through public school districts utilizing district-level applications and state licensing requirements. Charter networks also represent a pathway for entry, appealing to those who may choose alternative certification routes via organizations like Teach for America. Aspiring teachers should focus on fulfilling essential credentials such as completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, securing a teaching license, and passing necessary state exams. Although a Bachelor’s degree is a baseline requirement, furthering education with a Master's degree or National Board Certification can significantly enhance starting pay and career advancement opportunities. Early-career teachers can expect modest growth within their first three years; public school compensation typically follows a step-and-lane scale based on experience and education, leading to realistic salary increases as educators establish themselves in Burlington’s educational landscape.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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