Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lawrence, KS: $48,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,521 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,767 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,803) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
A realistic starting elementary school teacher salary in Lawrence, KS for new graduates in 2026 is approximately $48,521, which is slightly below the city's median salary of $50,803. This gap underscores the need for new teachers to adjust their expectations as they embark on their careers. Within the first few years, there’s potential for progress with increases to the P25 salary of $48,864 as early-career educators gain experience and skills. Given the projected growth rate of 0.98% annually, it shows that although entry-level pay may seem modest, there is a gradual upward trajectory for teachers in Lawrence, which positions it as a viable job market for new graduates despite lower salaries compared to national averages.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Lawrence, KS typically start between $48,521 and $48,864 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,592 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,803 — 21.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Kansas of $42,000 represents just 86.56% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($48,521/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $48,521 to $48,864, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $12,592 ( 25.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,521, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,113.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,210
2025 BLS Actual
$48,050
2026 Current Est.
$48,521
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,996 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 36.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,210 in 2019 to $48,050 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,996. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Employers in Lawrence that commonly hire new graduates include public school districts, which typically engage candidates through district-level applications and require state licensure verification. Charter schools like KIPP and Success Academy also offer opportunities through alternative certification pathways. For those looking to work in high-need schools, programs like Teach for America provide placements along with essential support for the first two years. To boost starting pay, obtaining a state-approved teacher preparation program, passing requisite state exams such as Praxis or edTPA, and possibly earning a Master's degree can fortify a candidate's position. New educators should strategize around the step-and-lane salary model, understanding that their compensation may grow substantially as they gain experience and develop skills, particularly in high-demand areas like special education and STEM, which often offer stipends. As they embark on their first few years, realistic salary growth expectations should be aligned with the local market trends, emphasizing that consistent professional development and potentially pursuing National Board Certification can lead to further financial advancement.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Lawrence in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Lawrence?
Is education school worth it in Lawrence?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Lawrence?
How do I become a elementary school teacher in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Lawrence. 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