Elementary School Teacher Salary in Bridgewater, NJ: $73,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Bridgewater, NJ earns a median $73,283/year (≈ $35.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Bridgewater's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the elementary school teacher salary in Bridgewater is projected to reach a median annual figure of $73,283, significantly above the national median of $64,597, translating to a local premium of 13.45%. Salary ranges from $55,428 at the 10th percentile to $112,903 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and educational attainment within the local teaching workforce. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, illustrating how compensation can differ regionally. In Bridgewater, the inclusion of shortage stipends for special education, STEM, and bilingual teachers can boost base salaries, providing a crucial incentive for educators in these high-demand areas.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,428 | $26.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,902 | $31.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,283 | $35.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,363 | $43.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,903 | $54.28 |
Median Salary Position
13.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgewater
In Bridgewater, NJ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,475 (2026 est.). At $73,283, the local median is 13.45% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bridgewater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bridgewater Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Bridgewater median: $73,283/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgewater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,399 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +13.45% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $73,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $74,399.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgewater has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgewater, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,283 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,614 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,694
2025 BLS Actual
$72,572
2026 Current Est.
$73,283
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,694 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,135 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,656 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgewater metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $67,694 (2019) to $72,572 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,307 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgewater 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) | $55,428 – $65,902 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,902 – $73,283 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,283 – $90,363 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,363 – $112,903 |
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 Bridgewater
The job market for elementary school teachers in Bridgewater includes a modest number of positions, with only 10 professionals currently employed in this sector. Given the area's cost-of-living index of 115.2, the purchasing power for teachers can be challenging, as higher living costs diminish disposable income. While local K-12 public school districts generally offer structured pay scales based on education and experience, special education and STEM teachers are often eligible for additional stipends that can significantly enhance earnings. Strategies for maximizing pay may include pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, such as National Board Certification, and exploring opportunities in summer school or tutoring, which can yield additional income. Understanding the nuances of different teaching environments, including public, charter, and private, is essential for educators in Bridgewater NJ aiming to optimize their compensation in a competitive market.
More salary data for Bridgewater, 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 $72,572 for elementary school teachersin the Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater 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