Elementary School Teacher Salary in Berkeley, NJ: $72,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Berkeley, NJ earns a median $72,902/year (≈ $35.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,283 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the elementary school teacher salary in Berkeley, NJ, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $72,902, reflecting a competitive position in the region when compared to the national median of $64,597. Salaries in this area range from $54,504 at the 10th percentile to as high as $112,998 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability based on experience and education level. This structured pay scale aligns with a step-and-lane salary system, where teachers with advanced degrees or greater experience can secure higher compensation. Berkeley's local salaries are underpinned by cost-of-living adjustments derived from BLS state-level data, and the community shows a commitment to valuing education as a profession, which is highlighted by the emphasis on attracting well-qualified educators.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,504 | $26.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,089 | $31.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,902 | $35.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,437 | $43.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,998 | $54.33 |
Median Salary Position
12.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, NJ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,494 (2026 est.). At $72,902, the local median is 12.86% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $72,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,389 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +12.86% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $72,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,389.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,902 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,283 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,341
2025 BLS Actual
$72,194
2026 Current Est.
$72,902
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,774 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,867 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $67,341 (2019) to $72,194 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,275 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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) | $54,504 – $65,089 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,089 – $72,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,902 – $89,437 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,437 – $112,998 |
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 Berkeley
In the Berkeley job market, there are currently seven elementary school teachers employed, which suggests a stable demand for educators in this community. The cost-of-living index is notably higher at 115.2, indicating that while salaries are attractive, the purchasing power is somewhat offset by living expenses. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly for teachers specializing in high-demand subject areas like special education and STEM, which often attract additional stipends for shortage areas. The variation in salaries can be influenced by several factors, including advanced degree attainment, available stipends for extra responsibilities, and the overall competitive environment within the district. To maximize earning potential, educators in Berkeley should consider obtaining advanced degrees, developing expertise in high-need areas, and seeking positions that allow for summer school or coaching opportunities, as these can provide valuable supplemental income.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
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 $72,194 for elementary school teachersin the Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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