Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Faribault, MN: $53,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,546 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,361 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,786) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the teaching profession in Faribault, Minnesota, can expect starting salaries around $53,546, which is the lower 10th percentile for elementary school teachers. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $69,786, indicating a gap that new teachers should be aware of. Over the first few years of their careers, entry-level teachers have a growth trajectory that typically sees their salaries rise toward the 25th percentile at approximately $62,859. Given the positive growth rate of 0.98%, Faribault presents a stable market for early-career educators, making it an appealing area for new graduate elementary school teachers looking to begin their journey in education in Minnesota.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Faribault, MN typically start between $53,546 and $62,859 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,623 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,786 — 8.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Minnesota of $55,000 represents just 102.72% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($53,546/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $53,546 to $62,859, 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 Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $54,623 ( 102.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,546, experienced hygienists can earn up to $108,169.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,142
2025 BLS Actual
$53,026
2026 Current Est.
$53,546
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,142 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,258 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,062 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,070 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,142 in 2019 to $53,026 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,070. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
When exploring employment opportunities in Faribault, navigating the job market alongside local school districts is essential for recent graduates. Most elementary school teaching positions are filled through district-level applications and a verified teaching license. Local education employers typically include public school districts that prioritize state-certified teachers, while charter networks may follow different routes, such as offering alternative certification pathways. To enhance entry-level pay, aspiring educators should complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and pass the required exams like the Praxis. Continuing education through a master’s degree or National Board Certification can further elevate starting salaries. Given the step-and-lane pay structure in public schools, educators can reasonably expect that their salaries will improve significantly in their first three years as they gain experience, especially in high-demand areas such as special education or STEM, where additional stipends may be available.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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