Elementary School Teacher Salary in Auburn, AL: $60,558 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Auburn, AL earns a median $60,558/year (≈ $29.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $68,868 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Auburn, Alabama, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is set at $60,558. This figure is notably lower than the national median salary of $64,597, suggesting a compensatory gap influenced by the area's cost of living. With salaries ranging from $46,289 at the 10th percentile to $71,554 at the 90th percentile, the pay spectrum indicates a competitive environment for educators, albeit one that reflects the local economic conditions. The figures presented here are derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlighting the dynamics of the teaching job market in this region. As the local educational landscape continues to evolve, aspiring teachers should consider these salary benchmarks when evaluating their career opportunities in Auburn.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,289 | $22.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,612 | $23.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,558 | $29.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,132 | $30.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,554 | $34.40 |
Median Salary Position
6.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, AL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,265 (2026 est.). At $60,558, the local median is 6.25% below the national median of $64,597.
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At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be above the median
How Auburn Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Auburn median: $60,558/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $61,542 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -6.25% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Auburn, AL earn a median of $60,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $61,542.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 12.07% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.933 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $60,558 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,868 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.72% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,260
2025 BLS Actual
$59,970
2026 Current Est.
$60,558
2019–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,558 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,151 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 17.0% from $51,260 (2019) to $59,970 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,151 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,891 (19.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,289 – $48,612 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,612 – $60,558 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,558 – $64,132 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,132 – $71,554 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Auburn
Looking at the local job market, approximately 550 elementary school teachers are currently employed in Auburn, reflecting a steady demand for educational professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 87.933, which is below the national average, teachers may find their purchasing power is more favorable compared to other regions, making the local salaries more appealing. Within the city, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive compensation, but various factors contribute to pay disparities. Salary determination often follows a step-and-lane structure based on educators' years of experience and educational qualifications. Additionally, special incentives for educators in shortage areas, such as STEM or special education, can further increase salaries. To maximize earning potential, teachers may consider obtaining National Board Certification, pursuing advanced degrees, or seeking positions with schools that offer stipends for summer programs and after-school tutoring.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,970 for elementary school teachersin the Auburn metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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