Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Casper, WY: $46,388 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Casper, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,388 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Casper's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,422 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,434) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Newly graduated teachers in Casper, Wyoming can expect a starting elementary school teacher salary of about $46,388 in 2026, which is significantly below the city’s median annual salary for all teachers, projected at $60,434. This creates a gap that new educators will need to navigate as they embark on their careers. However, there is potential for growth as entry-level positions can move to $55,062 after gaining some experience in the first few years. Over time, as entry-level teachers enhance their skills and potentially pursue further education, they could reach the city median salary, making Casper a fairly competitive market for new grads compared to other regions, especially considering the overall cost of living index is below the national average.
About the Casper Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Casper
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 Casper
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Casper, WY typically start between $46,388 and $55,062 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,284 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,434 — 6.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Wyoming of $38,000 represents just 81.92% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($46,388/year) in Casper. 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 Casper
- 1Research the Casper market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $46,388 to $55,062, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Casper, 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 Casper for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Casper'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 Casper is $47,284 ( 101.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,388, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,672.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,375
2025 BLS Actual
$45,938
2026 Current Est.
$46,388
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Casper (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,375 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,388 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,843 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Casper, WY grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,375 in 2019 to $45,938 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,843. New graduates entering the Casper job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Casper 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 Casper
In Casper, school districts are the primary employers for new-graduate teachers, requiring applicants to complete district-level applications and state teaching license verifications for public school positions. Charter networks, such as KIPP or Success Academy, may also offer opportunities, but typically through alternative certification pathways. To bolster their starting salaries, new teachers should aim to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and acquire the necessary certifications through examinations like Praxis or edTPA. As districts typically utilize a step-and-lane pay structure, novice teachers can expect salary growth as they gain experience and possibly pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master's, which often contributes to higher pay scales. In this market, realistic salary expectations after the initial years may see entry-level teachers move towards the mid-$50,000s, reflecting the gradual career advancement seen within this profession.
More salary data for Casper, WY:
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 Casper. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Casper 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