Elementary School Teacher Salary in Kentwood, MI: $61,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Kentwood, MI earns a median $61,399/year (≈ $29.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Kentwood's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $65,879 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for elementary school teachers in Kentwood, Michigan, is projected to be $61,399, a figure slightly below the national median of $64,597. Teacher pay in this area reflects a salary range spanning from $46,972 at the 10th percentile to $95,169 at the 90th percentile, revealing significant variability in compensation based on experience and education level. The local salary structure follows a step-and-lane pay scale common among educational institutions, which rewards teachers based on their years of service and advanced degrees. Consequently, educators holding a master's degree or those who have completed additional coursework may find themselves in a more favorable salary bracket as they progress within their careers, highlighting the importance of education and experience in determining overall compensation in Kentwood's job market.
About the Kentwood Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,972 | $22.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,635 | $26.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,399 | $29.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,220 | $37.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,169 | $45.75 |
Median Salary Position
4.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kentwood
In Kentwood, MI, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,197 (2026 est.). At $61,399, the local median is 4.95% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kentwood Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Kentwood median: $61,399/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $64,698 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -4.95% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Kentwood, MI earn a median of $61,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.95% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $64,698.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kentwood has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kentwood, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $61,399 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,879 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,716
2025 BLS Actual
$60,803
2026 Current Est.
$61,399
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,636 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,527 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentwood metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $56,716 (2019) to $60,803 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,285 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentwood 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) | $46,972 – $55,635 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,635 – $61,399 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,399 – $78,220 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,220 – $95,169 |
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 Kentwood
When considering the elementary school teacher pay in Kentwood, MI, it's essential to factor in the local job market and cost of living. With only seven elementary school teachers currently employed in the area, opportunities may be competitive yet limited. The cost-of-living index at 93.2 suggests that living expenses are lower than the national average, which positively impacts teachers' purchasing power. Among local employers, public K-12 school districts generally offer the most competitive salaries, while charter schools might provide varying compensation structures. The disparity in salaries can arise from factors such as district-specific stipulations, shortage area stipends for educators in special education or STEM, and various extracurricular contracts. To maximize earning potential, teachers should seek out advanced credentials like National Board Certification, remain flexible in accepting positions that require extended school hours or summer assignments, and actively pursue opportunities in high-need subject areas.
More salary data for Kentwood, MI:
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 $60,803 for elementary school teachersin the Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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