Elementary School Teacher Salary in Manchester, CT: $81,287 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Manchester, CT earns a median $81,287/year (≈ $39.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $75,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is $81,287, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. The salary range for educators in this area extends from $60,084 at the 10th percentile to $125,995 at the 90th percentile. These figures represent localized estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. Notably, the structured step-and-lane pay scale prevalent in public school districts provides a clear path for salary advancement, particularly favorable for teachers with higher degrees, such as a master's or master's+30. This well-defined compensation framework along with Manchester's growing demand for qualified teachers positions the city as an attractive location for teaching professionals.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,084 | $28.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,330 | $34.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,287 | $39.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,885 | $49.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,995 | $60.58 |
Median Salary Position
25.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,911 (2026 est.). At $81,287, the local median is 25.84% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Manchester median: $81,287/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $80,642 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +25.84% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Manchester, CT earn a median of $81,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.84% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $80,642.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,287 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,335 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,087
2025 BLS Actual
$80,498
2026 Current Est.
$81,287
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,087 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,685 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,264 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,629 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,229 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,287 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,083 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $75,087 (2019) to $80,498 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,083 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,996 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $60,084 – $72,330 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,330 – $81,287 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,287 – $103,885 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,885 – $125,995 |
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 Manchester
With only 11 elementary school teachers currently employed in Manchester, the local job market appears to be selective yet stable. The cost of living index stands at 107.9, indicating that while salaries are competitive, teachers must navigate a higher expense landscape to maximize their purchasing power. Employers within K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive salaries. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include the step-and-lane pay structure, incentives for teaching in shortage areas such as special education and STEM, and opportunities for additional income through summer school or extracurricular roles. Educators aiming to enhance their earnings should consider pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining National Board Certification, and actively engaging in continuous professional development to benefit from stipend opportunities and merit-based pay increases.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
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 $80,498 for elementary school teachersin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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