Elementary School Teacher Salary in Moorhead, MN: $71,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Moorhead, MN earns a median $71,051/year (≈ $34.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $72,133 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moorhead, Minnesota, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers is $71,051 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $64,597. Salary ranges for these educators span from $57,114 at the 10th percentile to $110,129 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a diverse spectrum of financial opportunities within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting the importance of local market dynamics. Those with advanced qualifications, such as a master's degree or higher, will find themselves positioned favorably on the district's step-and-lane pay scale, which rewards educators for both experience and education level. As a result, the job market for elementary school teachers in Moorhead is promising, with a relatively stable pool of teaching positions available.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,114 | $27.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,165 | $31.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,051 | $34.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,254 | $41.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,129 | $52.94 |
Median Salary Position
9.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,015 (2026 est.). At $71,051, the local median is 9.99% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $71,051/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,857 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +9.99% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $71,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.99% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $73,857.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moorhead, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $71,051 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,133 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,631
2025 BLS Actual
$70,361
2026 Current Est.
$71,051
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,028 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,534 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,853 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,042 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,361 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,747 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $65,631 (2019) to $70,361 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,747 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,116 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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) | $57,114 – $66,165 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,165 – $71,051 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,051 – $87,254 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,254 – $110,129 |
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 Moorhead
The local employment scene shows a modest cohort of 11 elementary school teachers, indicating a focused but limited market in Moorhead. With a cost-of-living index at 98.5, educators may find their purchasing power slightly constrained, but still favorable compared to many other regions. Among local employers, public school districts typically offer the most competitive pay packages, particularly for teachers who specialize in high-need areas such as special education, STEM, or bilingual education, where additional stipends may apply. Various strategies could aid teachers in this setting to maximize their earnings; pursuing advanced degrees can yield significant salary increases, while seeking positions that provide summer school or coaching opportunities may enhance overall compensation. For those contemplating a teaching career in Moorhead, understanding how the pay structures vary across public, charter, and private institutions can be instrumental in navigating the opportunities available.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
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 $70,361 for elementary school teachersin the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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