Elementary School Teacher Salary in Nicholasville, KY: $61,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Nicholasville, KY earns a median $61,387/year (≈ $29.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Nicholasville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $68,742 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in Nicholasville, Kentucky, is set at $61,387, which marks a slight decrease compared to the national median of $64,597. The salary range for educators in this area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $46,633 and top earners reaching up to $94,431. This disparity reflects local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, taking into account the cost of living index in Nicholasville, which stands at 89.3—below the national average of 100. Such conditions highlight the challenges teachers face in negotiating fair compensation. As Nicholasville continues to develop, understanding these salary factors will be crucial for aspiring educators considering opportunities in the local job market.
About the Nicholasville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,633 | $22.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,221 | $26.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,387 | $29.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,746 | $36.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,431 | $45.40 |
Median Salary Position
4.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nicholasville
In Nicholasville, KY, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,798 (2026 est.). At $61,387, the local median is 4.97% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Nicholasville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Nicholasville Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Nicholasville median: $61,387/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nicholasville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $62,322 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -4.97% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Nicholasville, KY earn a median of $61,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $62,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nicholasville 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.
Nicholasville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $61,387 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,742 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,705
2025 BLS Actual
$60,791
2026 Current Est.
$61,387
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Nicholasville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,705 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,912 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,349 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,624 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,515 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,791 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nicholasville metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $56,705 (2019) to $60,791 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,283 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nicholasville 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) | $46,633 – $55,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,221 – $61,387 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,387 – $75,746 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,746 – $94,431 |
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 Nicholasville
The local educational landscape features a modest number of six elementary school teachers employed in the area, indicating a relatively limited job market. Though Nicholasville has a lower cost of living, the challenge lies in maximizing take-home pay given the existing salary structures. Public schools often adhere to a district-wide step-and-lane pay scale, which emphasizes years of experience and education levels. To elevate pay, teachers can seek positions in high-demand subject areas such as special education or STEM, which typically offer critical shortage area stipends. Additionally, advanced qualifications such as National Board Certification can further enhance earning potential. With charters like KIPP potentially offering competitive incentives, educators should actively explore diverse options within K-12 institutions, including private schools and post-secondary roles, to optimize their compensation strategies.
More salary data for Nicholasville, 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 $60,791 for elementary school teachersin the Nicholasville 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 Nicholasville 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