Elementary School Teacher Salary in Champaign, IL: $60,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Champaign, IL earns a median $60,235/year (≈ $28.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Champaign's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $64,976 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median elementary school teacher salary in Champaign, Illinois, is projected to be $60,235, representing a modest gap when compared to the national median of $64,597. The salary range for teachers in this area varies significantly, with earnings estimated between $41,634 at the lower end and $79,643 at the higher end. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the varied experience and educational levels represented on Champaign’s step-and-lane pay scale. Those teachers with advanced degrees, particularly those who have completed master's plus 30 credit hours, tend to position themselves at the higher tiers of this pay structure. The job market for elementary school teachers is supported by a community that values education, but the overall compensation may still leave room for improvement compared to other regions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,634 | $20.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,207 | $24.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,235 | $28.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,544 | $34.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,643 | $38.29 |
Median Salary Position
6.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Champaign
In Champaign, IL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,009 (2026 est.). At $60,235, the local median is 6.75% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Champaign: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Champaign Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Champaign median: $60,235/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Champaign Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $61,590 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -6.75% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Champaign, IL earn a median of $60,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.75% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $61,590.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Champaign has a cost of living 7.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Champaign, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.704 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $60,235 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,976 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.87% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,840
2025 BLS Actual
$59,650
2026 Current Est.
$60,235
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,825 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Champaign metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 19.7% from $49,840 (2019) to $59,650 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,825 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,985 (22.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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) | $41,634 – $50,207 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,207 – $60,235 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,235 – $72,544 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,544 – $79,643 |
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 Champaign
Champaign's job market for elementary school educators is relatively stable, with approximately 990 teachers employed, providing a solid workforce. However, the cost of living index at 92.704 indicates that living expenses are below the national average, which can positively influence real purchasing power for teachers. Among local employers, elementary K-12 public school districts generally offer competitive salaries, with possible additional compensation for teachers taking on roles in shortage areas such as special education or STEM. Factors such as the district's specific step-and-lane scale, summer school opportunities, and various stipends—whether for after-school tutoring or National Board Certification—contribute to the range of pay. For educators in Champaign IL looking to maximize their earnings, considering a focus on specialty areas, pursuing advanced degrees, and engaging in extra responsibilities may enhance their overall compensation, aligning better with regional hiring demands and budget allocations.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
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 $59,650 for elementary school teachersin the Champaign 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