Elementary School Teacher Salary in DeKalb, IL: $59,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in DeKalb, IL earns a median $59,269/year (≈ $28.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $61,039 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, elementary school teachers in DeKalb, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $59,269. This figure represents a notable contrast to the national median of $64,597 for the same year. Within the local salary range, educators earn between $47,699 at the lower end (P10) and $91,868 for those at the higher end (P90). The compensation figures reflect estimates derived from BLS state-level data combined with regional price adjustments, which are critical for understanding the local job market. Notably, placement on the district's step-and-lane salary scale, especially for those with advanced degrees like a master's or master’s +30, can significantly influence an individual’s earnings, contributing to the broader understanding of elementary school teacher pay in DeKalb, IL.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,699 | $22.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,234 | $26.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,269 | $28.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,736 | $34.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,868 | $44.17 |
Median Salary Position
8.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,169 (2026 est.). At $59,269, the local median is 8.25% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $59,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $61,610 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -8.25% less |
Elementary School Teachers in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $59,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.25% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $61,610.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $59,269 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,039 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,749
2025 BLS Actual
$58,694
2026 Current Est.
$59,269
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,749 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,914 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,602 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,428 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,694 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,850 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $54,749 (2019) to $58,694 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,850 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,101 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $47,699 – $55,234 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,234 – $59,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,269 – $72,736 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,736 – $91,868 |
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 DeKalb
With only nine elementary school teachers currently employed in DeKalb, the job market for educators remains relatively niche, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The area’s cost of living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that it is somewhat below the national average, potentially affecting the purchasing power of local salaries. Public school districts generally lead in compensation, owing to established pay scales for teachers based on years of service and educational attainment. Additional stipends are often available for roles in special education or subject areas facing shortages, which can widen the gap in earnings. Moreover, educators can enhance their salaries by seeking National Board Certification, taking on extended year contracts, or engaging in summer school initiatives. By using these strategies, teachers looking to maximize their income can better navigate the landscape of elementary school teacher pay in DeKalb, IL.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can elementary school teachers make $100K in DeKalb?
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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 $58,694 for elementary school teachersin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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