Elementary School Teacher Salary in Madison, AL: $60,017 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Madison, AL earns a median $60,017/year (≈ $28.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Madison's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $68,279 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in Madison, Alabama stands at $60,017, reflecting a modest but important distinction when compared to the national median of $64,597. The local salary range runs from $46,161 at the 10th percentile to $93,027 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a noteworthy dispersion in compensation based on experience, education levels, and district resources. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, give a clear picture of the competitive environment that educators face in Madison, particularly as it is within a region where the cost of living index sits at 87.9, indicating a lower-than-average living expense compared to the national standard. This context plays a significant role in shaping the effective compensation landscape for those considering the elementary school teacher salary in Madison.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,161 | $22.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,568 | $26.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,017 | $28.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,553 | $36.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,027 | $44.72 |
Median Salary Position
7.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
In Madison, AL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,866 (2026 est.). At $60,017, the local median is 7.09% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Madison Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Madison median: $60,017/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $61,556 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -7.09% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Madison, AL earn a median of $60,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $61,556.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madison has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madison, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $60,017 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,279 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,440
2025 BLS Actual
$59,435
2026 Current Est.
$60,017
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,166 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,435 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,017 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,606 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madison metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $55,440 (2019) to $59,435 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,606 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,166 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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) | $46,161 – $54,568 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,568 – $60,017 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,017 – $76,553 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,553 – $93,027 |
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 Madison
The local job market for elementary school teachers in Madison consists of nine active professionals, a relatively small pool that contributes to its dynamics. The lower cost of living allows a teacher's take-home pay to stretch further, making the area attractive despite the salaries falling slightly below the national average. Public school districts typically follow a step-and-lane pay scale, rewarding educators for years of service and education levels. Furthermore, those filling roles in shortage areas, like special education or STEM fields, might find opportunities for additional stipends that enhance earnings. Schools and networks that show a consistent commitment to education, such as KIPP or other charter schools, might offer competitive pay to attract top talent. For Madison's educators, pursuing National Board Certification, seeking advanced degrees, or taking on additional responsibilities like summer programs can effectively maximize their compensation, enhancing their overall financial position within this stable yet evolving job market.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $59,435 for elementary school teachersin the Madison 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
Salary data for Madison 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