Elementary School Teacher Salary in Linden, NJ: $72,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Linden, NJ earns a median $72,855/year (≈ $35.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Linden's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,242 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, elementary school teacher salaries in Linden, NJ, are projected to reach a median of $72,855, reflecting a robust compensation environment compared to the national average of $64,597. The salary range for educators in this field spans from $54,700 at the P10 level to $112,925 at the P90, offering significant variability based on experience and qualifications. This outlook is underpinned by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations. Notably, teachers who engage in high-demand subjects, such as special education, STEM, or bilingual education, may benefit from salary boosts through shortage stipends, enhancing their base pay and making positions in Linden increasingly appealing.
About the Linden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,700 | $26.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,991 | $31.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,855 | $35.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,006 | $43.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,925 | $54.29 |
Median Salary Position
12.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Linden
In Linden, NJ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,225 (2026 est.). At $72,855, the local median is 12.78% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Linden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Linden Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Linden median: $72,855/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Linden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,418 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +12.78% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Linden, NJ earn a median of $72,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.78% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $74,418.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Linden has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Linden, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,855 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,242 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,298
2025 BLS Actual
$72,148
2026 Current Est.
$72,855
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,298 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,731 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,249 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,569 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Linden metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $67,298 (2019) to $72,148 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,569 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,271 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Linden 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) | $54,700 – $64,991 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,991 – $72,855 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,855 – $91,006 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,006 – $112,925 |
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 Linden
While the average compensation appears attractive, potential educators must also consider the cost-of-living index in Linden, which stands at 115.2. This indicates higher living expenses compared to the national average, influencing take-home purchasing power. Only seven elementary school teachers are currently employed in the area, highlighting limited job availability, which can impact salary negotiations. Among local education employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer competitive salaries structured on a step-and-lane pay scale, which rewards educators based on years of experience and advanced degrees. To maximize pay, aspiring teachers in Linden may consider pursuing specializations in high-need areas, obtaining National Board Certification, or applying for summer school or after-school coaching roles, all of which can lead to enhanced earnings in this competitive market.
More salary data for Linden, 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 $72,148 for elementary school teachersin the Linden 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 Linden 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