Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lakewood, OH: $76,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Lakewood, OH earns a median $76,830/year (≈ $36.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $84,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teachers in Lakewood, Ohio, can expect a competitive median annual salary of $76,830 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. Salaries for these positions can range considerably, with entry-level teachers earning around $55,423 and experienced professionals reaching up to $119,086. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the local demand for educators in specialty areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education, which typically come with additional stipends. Those seeking a teaching position in Lakewood will find that the local job market rewards educators with a compelling compensation package, reflecting both the community's investment in quality education and the vital roles that teachers play in shaping students’ futures.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,423 | $26.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,102 | $32.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,830 | $36.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,928 | $46.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,086 | $57.26 |
Median Salary Position
18.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, OH, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,663 (2026 est.). At $76,830, the local median is 18.94% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $76,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $77,216 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +18.94% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Lakewood, OH earn a median of $76,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.94% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $77,216.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $76,830 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $84,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,970
2025 BLS Actual
$76,084
2026 Current Est.
$76,830
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,027 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,372 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,084 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,583 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $70,970 (2019) to $76,084 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,583 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,613 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $55,423 – $67,102 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,102 – $76,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,830 – $96,928 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,928 – $119,086 |
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 Lakewood
In terms of local employment, Lakewood supports 11 elementary school teachers, a modest number that underscores a competitive job market for teaching positions. While the cost of living index stands at 90.7—below the national average—this figure indicates that salaries may stretch further in terms of purchasing power, potentially allowing teachers to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Among employers, K-12 public school districts offer a structured pay scale based on experience and education level, while some private and charter schools may provide unique incentives or bonuses. Factors that contribute to the variance in salaries include district pay scales, additional stipends for teaching in shortage areas, and performance-based incentives for activities like summer school and after-school programs. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this environment, pursuing advanced degrees or National Board Certification can also enhance salary prospects in Lakewood's educational landscape.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
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 $76,084 for elementary school teachersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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