Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Andover, MN: $57,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Andover, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,465 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,340 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,194) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level elementary school teacher salary in Andover, MN, presents a starting point of $57,465, which is notably lower than the city's median salary of $71,194. This indicates a gap that new graduates should consider as they enter the profession. Over the first three to five years, teachers can anticipate salary growth, moving from the entry-level position to roughly $66,472 at the 25th percentile (P25), ultimately approaching the median as they gain experience. Given these projections, Andover appears to be a stable and attractive market for new educators, especially as the average salary outpaces the national entry-level median of $64,597 by about 10.21%.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Andover, MN typically start between $57,465 and $66,472 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,886 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,194 — 10.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Minnesota of $55,000 represents just 95.71% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($57,465/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $57,465 to $66,472, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover'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 Andover is $52,886 ( 92.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,465, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,351.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,299
2025 BLS Actual
$56,907
2026 Current Est.
$57,465
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,299 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,498 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,149 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,952 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,828 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,907 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,028 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MN grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,299 in 2019 to $56,907 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,028. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
In Andover, public school districts primarily employ new graduates, often hiring through district-level applications that require state licensure. Charter networks may also recruit newly licensed teachers, typically offering alternative certification routes, while programs like Teach for America aim to fill high-need roles through two-year commitments. To maximize potential earnings, aspiring teachers should complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and pass necessary certification exams, such as the Praxis and edTPA. Advancing credentials, such as obtaining a Master's degree or National Board Certification, could further enhance starting pay prospects. In the competitive job environment of education, understanding district pay structures is crucial. Public schools often follow a step-and-lane scale framework that rewards experience and education level, thus allowing realistic salary progression in the initial years, especially for specialties like STEM or special education which often attract additional stipends.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Andover in 2026?
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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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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