Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Prairie Village, KS: $46,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Prairie Village, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,205 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Prairie Village's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,831 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,140) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting elementary school teacher salary in Prairie Village, KS, provides new graduates with a foundation of $46,205, which might appear modest when considered against the city’s median annual salary of $55,140. This creates a noticeable gap that early-career teachers should be aware of as they navigate their first jobs. Over the initial years of teaching, there is potential for growth, with salaries expected to rise through the 25th percentile average of $52,675, eventually reaching the median as educators accumulate experience. Prairie Village is currently considered a competitive market for new teachers, presenting opportunities for recent graduates to establish their careers and gain valuable experience in the classroom.
About the Prairie Village Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Prairie Village
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 Prairie Village
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Prairie Village, KS typically start between $46,205 and $52,675 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,262 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,140 — 14.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Kansas of $42,000 represents just 90.90% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($46,205/year) in Prairie Village. 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 Prairie Village
- 1Research the Prairie Village market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $46,205 to $52,675, 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 Prairie Village, 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 Prairie Village for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Prairie Village'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 Prairie Village is $39,262 ( 84.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,205, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,467.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,228
2025 BLS Actual
$45,757
2026 Current Est.
$46,205
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Prairie Village (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,191 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,757 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,658 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Prairie Village, KS grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,228 in 2019 to $45,757 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,658. New graduates entering the Prairie Village job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prairie Village 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 Prairie Village
When seeking positions, new graduates will find that local public school districts are the primary employers for entry-level teachers, requiring district-level applications and verification of state teaching licenses. Additionally, charter networks and organizations like Teach for America offer alternative pathways for teachers, especially in high-need areas for a two-year commitment. Earning credentials like a Bachelor's degree and completing an approved teacher preparation program are essential for boosting starting salaries in Kansas, along with passing state-required exams. In the long run, first-year teachers can expect modest salary growth of approximately 0.98% annually as they advance on the step-and-lane pay structure. While competitive districts in high-cost areas might see starting salaries significantly higher, Prairie Village provides a balanced opportunity for new educators to grow in a supportive environment.
More salary data for Prairie Village, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Prairie Village in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Prairie Village?
Is education school worth it in Prairie Village?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Prairie Village?
How do I become a elementary school teacher in Kansas?
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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 Prairie Village. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Prairie Village 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