Elementary School Teacher Salary in Gurnee, IL: $60,698 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Gurnee, IL earns a median $60,698/year (≈ $29.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Gurnee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $62,511 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is $60,698, which reflects a slight decline compared to the national median of $64,597. Salary figures vary significantly, with earnings ranging from $46,238 for entry-level positions (P10) to $93,598 for those at the higher end of the spectrum (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living conditions, which currently stand below the national average. Given the common shortage in special education, STEM, and bilingual teaching positions, teachers specializing in these areas may receive additional stipends, enhancing their overall compensation and appealing to potential candidates in a competitive job market.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,238 | $22.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,637 | $26.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,698 | $29.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,897 | $36.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,598 | $45.00 |
Median Salary Position
6.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
In Gurnee, IL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,360 (2026 est.). At $60,698, the local median is 6.04% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gurnee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gurnee Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Gurnee median: $60,698/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gurnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $61,622 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -6.04% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $60,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $61,622.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gurnee 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.
Gurnee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $60,698 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,511 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,069
2025 BLS Actual
$60,109
2026 Current Est.
$60,698
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,262 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,837 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,109 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,698 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,293 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gurnee metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $56,069 (2019) to $60,109 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,293 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,224 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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) | $46,238 – $54,637 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,637 – $60,698 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,698 – $74,897 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,897 – $93,598 |
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 Gurnee
A total of eight elementary school teachers are currently employed in Gurnee, indicating a limited but stable job market. The cost of living index for the region stands at 97.1, suggesting that salaries, while slightly lower than national averages, can afford teachers a reasonable level of purchasing power relative to local expenses. Among local employers, K-12 public schools typically offer structured pay based on a step-and-lane scale, while charter schools may present variable salary options that can be higher or lower depending on the institution. Factors influencing the pay disparity include advanced degree stipends, special allowances for shortage areas, and additional opportunities for extended contracts during summer or after-school programs. To maximize salary in Gurnee, aspiring educators should consider advancing their qualifications through programs like National Board Certification and should actively seek positions in areas with higher demand for their expertise.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 $60,109 for elementary school teachersin the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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