Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Rawlins, WY: $45,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,083 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,059 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,652) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rawlins, WY, the entry-level salary for an elementary school teacher is projected to start around $45,083 in 2026. While this figure might seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $58,652, it reflects the common trajectory many new graduates can expect as they begin their teaching careers. As educators gain experience, they will typically see a gradual increase in earnings; salaries can rise to approximately $53,074 with a few years of experience and approach the median as they establish themselves. Given the city's cost of living index at 95.8, which is below the national average, Rawlins offers a relatively favorable market for recent graduates interested in elementary education, although they should prepare for the realities of an entry-level salary against national benchmarks.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Rawlins, WY typically start between $45,083 and $53,074 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,828 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,652 — 9.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Wyoming of $38,000 represents just 84.29% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($45,083/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $45,083 to $53,074, 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 Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $45,828 ( 101.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,083, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,911.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,323
2025 BLS Actual
$44,645
2026 Current Est.
$45,083
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,323 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,714 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,985 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,524 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,323 in 2019 to $44,645 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,524. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
For those looking to begin their careers in Rawlins, essential pathways exist to secure a position as an elementary school teacher. Local school districts primarily hire through district-level applications, ensuring candidates hold a state certification, which entails completing a state-approved teacher preparation program or alternative certification via routes like Teach for America. In Wyoming, advancing education credentials can enhance earning potential; a bachelor's degree, state licensure, and additional qualifications like National Board Certification can increase initial salaries. As new teachers navigate their first few years, they can realistically expect to advance through the step-and-lane pay structure, with salary growth dependent on both years of service and educational attainment. Entry-level positions in rural areas often pay lower than those in high-cost-of-living districts, but opportunities in specialized areas like special education or STEM can yield additional stipends due to demand shortages.
More salary data for Rawlins, 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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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