Elementary School Teacher Salary in Joliet, IL: $61,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Joliet, IL earns a median $61,196/year (≈ $29.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,024 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for elementary school teachers in Joliet is projected at $61,196, which falls below the national median of $64,597. The local salary range varies significantly, with lower earners starting at $46,037 and top earners reaching up to $94,854. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect the realities of Joliet's education market. Teachers focusing on special education, STEM, or bilingual education may also receive additional stipend opportunities which can enhance base pay, making these positions increasingly attractive amid ongoing teacher shortages. Ultimately, how much do elementary school teachers make in Joliet? The answer depends on various factors, including experience, specialization, and negotiated contracts with local school districts.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,037 | $22.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,010 | $26.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,196 | $29.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,331 | $37.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,854 | $45.60 |
Median Salary Position
5.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,817 (2026 est.). At $61,196, the local median is 5.26% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Joliet median: $61,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $61,565 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -5.26% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Joliet, IL earn a median of $61,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.26% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $61,565.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet 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.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $61,196 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,024 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,528
2025 BLS Actual
$60,602
2026 Current Est.
$61,196
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,732 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,167 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,327 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,462 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,602 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $56,528 (2019) to $60,602 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,268 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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) | $46,037 – $55,010 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,010 – $61,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,196 – $78,331 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,331 – $94,854 |
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 Joliet
The job market for elementary school teachers in Joliet currently employs approximately 25 educators, indicating a relatively stable demand within this segment. The local cost of living index at 97.1 suggests that while salaries may appear modest compared to national averages, they do offer reasonable purchasing power given the overall economic environment. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically have the most structured pay scales based on a step-and-lane format that considers years of service and educational credentials. However, private and charter schools may also offer competitive salaries, particularly for positions in high-demand areas such as special education. The wide salary range in Joliet results from various factors, including supplementary stipends for hard-to-fill roles and opportunities for additional earnings through summer programs and extracurricular tutoring. For educators looking to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced degrees and National Board Certification can be beneficial strategies, helping to elevate their position within the salary structure of Joliet's education system.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 $60,602 for elementary school teachersin the Joliet 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 Joliet 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