Elementary School Teacher Salary in Gardner, KS: $54,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Gardner, KS earns a median $54,451/year (≈ $26.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Gardner's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $59,902 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teacher compensation in Gardner, KS, is projected to be $54,451 annually in 2026, reflecting a salary structure that is modest when compared to the national median of $64,597. The salary range here spans from $44,709 at the 10th percentile to as high as $84,400 at the 90th percentile, which serves to illustrate the significant variability in earnings based on experience and educational attainment. Gardner's educational system adheres to a step-and-lane pay scale, offering distinct earning tiers for teachers with master's degrees versus those who have completed additional coursework, such as a master's+30. This compensation framework may be particularly appealing for those entering the teaching profession, given the area's equitable chance for growth within a structured salary paradigm.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,709 | $21.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,176 | $24.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,451 | $26.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,600 | $32.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,400 | $40.57 |
Median Salary Position
15.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gardner
In Gardner, KS, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,691 (2026 est.). At $54,451, the local median is 15.71% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gardner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gardner Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Gardner median: $54,451/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gardner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $58,739 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -15.71% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Gardner, KS earn a median of $54,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $58,739.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gardner has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gardner, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $54,451 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,902 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,298
2025 BLS Actual
$53,923
2026 Current Est.
$54,451
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,298 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,369 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,001 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,679 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gardner metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $50,298 (2019) to $53,923 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,687 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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) | $44,709 – $51,176 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,176 – $54,451 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,451 – $68,600 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,600 – $84,400 |
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 Gardner
In Gardner, the local job market currently employs a modest number of elementary school teachers, with only six educators in the area. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, indicating that while salaries may fall behind national averages, the purchasing power for teachers is somewhat bolstered by relative affordability. Local employers such as public K-12 school districts generally provide the most competitive salaries, while charter schools and private institutions may vary widely in compensation. A considerable gap in pay exists between the lowest and highest earners due to the district's step-and-lane structure, which factors in both years of experience and additional education levels. Furthermore, teachers specializing in areas of shortage, like special ed and STEM, often receive extra stipends, enhancing their overall pay. To maximize earnings in Gardner, educators may consider pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, taking contract roles for summer school or after-school programs, and seeking National Board Certification, which can significantly elevate their placement on the pay scale.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 $53,923 for elementary school teachersin the Gardner 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 Gardner 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