Elementary School Teacher Salary in Independence, KY: $61,836 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Independence, KY earns a median $61,836/year (≈ $29.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $69,245 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, elementary school teachers in Independence, Kentucky, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $61,836. This salary places them slightly below the national median of $64,597, reflecting local economic conditions and the specific step-and-lane pay scale used by school districts, which values teachers based on years of service and educational attainment. The salary range for these educators is quite broad, spanning from $47,798 at the 10th percentile to $95,846 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and take into account regional cost adjustments, ensuring they accurately reflect the local job market and purchasing power in Independence. Teaching positions in the area are defined by competitive pay and stability, influencing the educational opportunities available to students.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,798 | $22.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,174 | $27.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,836 | $29.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,130 | $37.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,846 | $46.08 |
Median Salary Position
4.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,048 (2026 est.). At $61,836, the local median is 4.27% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Independence median: $61,836/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $62,335 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -4.27% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Independence, KY earn a median of $61,836 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.27% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $62,335.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence 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.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $61,836 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,245 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$57,120
2025 BLS Actual
$61,236
2026 Current Est.
$61,836
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,335 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,958 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,384 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,236 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,836 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,442 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $57,120 (2019) to $61,236 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,322 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $47,798 – $56,174 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,174 – $61,836 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,836 – $78,130 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,130 – $95,846 |
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 Independence
The local job market for elementary school teachers is relatively stable, with only five educators currently employed in Independence. The cost-of-living index stands at 89.3, indicating that residents generally experience a lower-than-average cost of living when compared to national benchmarks. This can enhance the purchasing power of educators, allowing them to manage their expenses more comfortably. Within the district, K-12 public school systems typically provide the most competitive salaries, while charter schools and private institutions may vary in their compensation practices. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as advanced degree attainment and stipends for shortage areas like special education and STEM positions. Teachers looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing additional qualifications like National Board Certification, which can provide significant financial incentives, and seek opportunities for summer school or tutoring roles that can supplement their income.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Independence, KY in 2026?
Is Independence, KY a good place to work as a elementary school teacher?
Can elementary school teachers make $100K in Independence?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted elementary school teacher salary in Independence?
How much does a elementary school teacher make per hour in Independence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $61,236 for elementary school teachersin the Independence 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 Independence 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