Elementary School Teacher Salary in Montclair, NJ: $73,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Montclair, NJ earns a median $73,681/year (≈ $35.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Montclair's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,959 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a 2026 median annual salary of $73,681, the compensation for elementary school teachers in Montclair, NJ, illustrates the premium typical of high-cost-of-living (HCOL) districts while eclipsing the national median by 14.06%. In Montclair, salaries range from $56,399 at the 10th percentile to $114,205 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant disparity in earnings among educators. These projections are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price considerations, revealing the impact of the local economic environment on educator pay. As the demand for quality education increases alongside living expenses, aspiring teachers should weigh these factors when considering opportunities in Montclair.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,399 | $27.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,606 | $33.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,681 | $35.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,334 | $43.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,205 | $54.90 |
Median Salary Position
14.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montclair
In Montclair, NJ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,806 (2026 est.). At $73,681, the local median is 14.06% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montclair: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montclair Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Montclair median: $73,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montclair Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,425 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +14.06% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Montclair, NJ earn a median of $73,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,425.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montclair has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montclair, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,681 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,959 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,061
2025 BLS Actual
$72,966
2026 Current Est.
$73,681
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,061 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,035 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,365 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,635 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,403 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montclair metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $68,061 (2019) to $72,966 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,403 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,342 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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) | $56,399 – $69,606 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,606 – $73,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,681 – $91,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,334 – $114,205 |
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 Montclair
Currently, only 10 elementary school teachers are employed within Montclair, suggesting a competitive job market tailored towards maintaining quality educational standards. The elevated cost-of-living index of 115.2 signifies that while salaries may appear generous, they are essential for supporting everyday expenses in this affluent community. Among the various educational institutions, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive salaries, driven by a step-and-lane pay scale linked to experience and higher education levels. Those specializing in areas like special education or STEM may find additional stipends for their expertise, enhancing their earning potential. To maximize salary prospects, teachers should consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, such as National Board Certification, and explore opportunities for summer school or after-school programs, which can further supplement income. The Montclair educator's landscape reflects both challenges and opportunities, necessitating strategic planning for career advancement.
More salary data for Montclair, 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 $72,966 for elementary school teachersin the Montclair 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 Montclair 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