Elementary School Teacher Salary in Kalispell, MT: $56,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Kalispell, MT earns a median $56,156/year (≈ $27.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $58,374 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in Kalispell, MT, is $56,156, which falls below the national median of $64,597. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $43,883 and experienced teachers potentially earning up to $83,899. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities. Notably, Kalispell offers various stipends aimed at attracting teachers in high-need areas such as special education, STEM, and bilingual education, which can enhance base pay and make positions more competitive in the local job market.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,883 | $21.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,338 | $24.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,156 | $27.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,202 | $32.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,899 | $40.33 |
Median Salary Position
13.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,016 (2026 est.). At $56,156, the local median is 13.07% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalispell Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $56,156/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $58,802 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -13.07% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $56,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $58,802.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $56,156 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,374 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,873
2025 BLS Actual
$55,611
2026 Current Est.
$56,156
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,977 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,629 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,359 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,277 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,706 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $51,873 (2019) to $55,611 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,706 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,833 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $43,883 – $51,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,338 – $56,156 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,156 – $68,202 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,202 – $83,899 |
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 Kalispell
The job market for elementary school teachers in Kalispell is currently modest, with only four educators employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 96.2, which means that salaries may stretch further compared to higher-cost urban centers. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically provide the highest compensation, followed by charter schools, which may offer varying pay scales depending on their operational models. The pay spectrum often reflects the step-and-lane structure prevalent in public education, where salaries gradually increase with years of experience and educational attainment. For teachers seeking to maximize their pay in this market, focusing on obtaining endorsements in shortage areas, pursuing additional degrees, or taking on summer school and after-school programs could be beneficial strategies.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
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 $55,611 for elementary school teachersin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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