Elementary School Teacher Salary in Frankfort, KY: $61,058 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Frankfort, KY earns a median $61,058/year (≈ $29.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Frankfort's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $68,374 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Frankfort, Kentucky, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is $61,058, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $64,597. The salary range varies significantly, spanning from $45,899 at the lower end (P10) to $94,639 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, highlight the competitive nature of teaching salaries in a city with a cost of living index lower than the national average, currently at 89.3. This context reveals the realities facing educators in Frankfort, where the market for talent in education may navigate a blend of local financial constraints and broader economic pressures.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,899 | $22.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,508 | $26.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,058 | $29.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,218 | $36.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,639 | $45.50 |
Median Salary Position
5.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Frankfort
In Frankfort, KY, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,740 (2026 est.). At $61,058, the local median is 5.48% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Frankfort: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Frankfort Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Frankfort median: $61,058/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Frankfort Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $62,304 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -5.48% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Frankfort, KY earn a median of $61,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.48% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $62,304.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Frankfort has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Frankfort, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $61,058 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,374 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,401
2025 BLS Actual
$60,465
2026 Current Est.
$61,058
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,401 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,601 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,036 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,737 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,058 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Frankfort metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $56,401 (2019) to $60,465 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,255 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frankfort 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) | $45,899 – $54,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,508 – $61,058 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,058 – $76,218 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,218 – $94,639 |
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 Frankfort
Teaching in Frankfort currently sees a modest employment landscape, with only six elementary school teachers in the area. This limited pool may influence the competitiveness of salaries, particularly as the cost of living remains below the national average. The local school districts, like public K-12 institutions and specialized charter schools, face challenges attracting qualified educators, especially for roles in special education and STEM, where stipends can vary. Pay disparities often emanate from a district's adherence to the step-and-lane pay structure established by experience and education level, along with additional incentives for those holding advanced degrees or National Board Certification. For those pursuing advancement, seeking summer school contracts or tutoring roles can effectively boost overall earnings, presenting practical opportunities for educators in this region to maximize their pay potential.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
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 $60,465 for elementary school teachersin the Frankfort 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 Frankfort 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