Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Maplewood, MN: $57,431 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Maplewood, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,431 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maplewood's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,306 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,211) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of education can expect an entry-level elementary school teacher salary in Maplewood, Minnesota, starting at $57,431. This figure reflects a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $71,211 for all teachers in the region. Over the first few years, early-career educators can anticipate a gradual increase as they gain experience and potentially reach a salary around the 25th percentile, which stands at $66,509. For new graduates looking to establish their careers, Maplewood appears to offer a favorable market, especially for those who are willing to grow within the profession and pursue further education and licensure.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maplewood
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 Maplewood
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Maplewood, MN typically start between $57,431 and $66,509 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,946 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,211 — 10.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Minnesota of $55,000 represents just 95.77% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($57,431/year) in Maplewood. 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 Maplewood
- 1Research the Maplewood market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $57,431 to $66,509, 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maplewood'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 Maplewood is $52,946 ( 92.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,431, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,377.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,272
2025 BLS Actual
$56,874
2026 Current Est.
$57,431
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,272 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,688 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,874 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,431 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,994 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Maplewood, MN grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,272 in 2019 to $56,874 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,994. New graduates entering the Maplewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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 Maplewood
Job opportunities for new graduates in Maplewood often come from public school districts that follow a step-and-lane pay structure, hiring primarily through district-level applications and requiring state license verification. Charter schools may also recruit new teachers, particularly through programs that offer alternative certification, such as Teach for America. To enhance starting pay, acquiring a Bachelor’s degree accompanied by a completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program is essential. Additionally, fulfilling state licensing requirements, such as passing required exams, will allow new educators to position themselves more favorably. As public school teaching positions advance, particularly in high-need areas such as special education and STEM, new teachers can expect modest salary growth over their initial years in the workforce.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Maplewood in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Maplewood?
Is education school worth it in Maplewood?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Maplewood?
How do I become a elementary school teacher in Minnesota?
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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 Maplewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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