Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Cedar City, UT: $54,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Cedar City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,862 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,925 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,834) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the educational field in Cedar City, UT, can expect an entry-level elementary school teacher salary of about $54,862. While this number is considerably lower than the city median salary of $71,834, it reflects a realistic starting point for those just beginning their teaching careers. Newly licensed teachers often see their earnings grow as they gain experience. Over the first few years, entry-level salaries could rise towards the 25th percentile mark of $67,547 as educators develop their skills and build a track record in the classroom. Overall, Cedar City presents a reasonably solid market for recent graduates, especially when considering the reported growth rate of 0.98% annually in the teaching profession.
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar City
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 Cedar City
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Cedar City, UT typically start between $54,862 and $67,547 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,076 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,834 — 11.2% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Utah of $45,000 represents just 82.02% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($54,862/year) in Cedar City. 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 Cedar City
- 1Research the Cedar City market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $54,862 to $67,547, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar City, 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 Cedar City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar City'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 Cedar City is $56,076 ( 102.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,862, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,938.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,203
2025 BLS Actual
$54,330
2026 Current Est.
$54,862
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,203 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,347 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,509 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,197 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,537 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,400 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar City, UT grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,203 in 2019 to $54,330 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,400. New graduates entering the Cedar City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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 Cedar City
Cedar City is home to a variety of employers seeking to hire new teachers. Public school districts make up the majority of opportunities and typically require applicants to navigate district-level applications alongside state license verification. Charter networks also play a role; for instance, organizations like KIPP engage in alternative certification methods to bring in talent. New educators interested in areas such as STEM or special education may find additional opportunities, particularly with positions that offer stipends for hard-to-fill roles. In Utah, obtaining a bachelor's degree and completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is essential for better compensation prospects. While educators with certifications or advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or National Board Certification, may enhance their earning potential from the typical starting salary, it’s important to remember that public school pay typically adheres to a step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and education level. In the first three years of teaching, new hires can anticipate moderate salary increases as they step into roles, making it a crucial time for career development and planning in Cedar City’s educational landscape.
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
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 Cedar City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar City 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