Elementary School Teacher Salary in Westerly, RI: $60,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Westerly, RI earns a median $60,627/year (≈ $29.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Westerly's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $60,325 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in Westerly, RI, is set at $60,627, reflecting a competitive yet nuanced position in the local salary landscape. This figure is complemented by a salary range from $50,431 at the 10th percentile to $93,552 at the 90th percentile. These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variations, showcase how the higher cost of living in Westerly factors into effective compensation. Comparatively, the elementary school teacher pay in Westerly trails the national median of $64,597 by approximately 6.15%, illustrating the broader implications of an HCOL (high cost of living) area on salary structures. Such dynamics shape the attractiveness of teaching positions in this coastal town, impacting recruitment and retention efforts for qualified educators.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,431 | $24.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,503 | $27.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,627 | $29.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,367 | $35.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,552 | $44.98 |
Median Salary Position
6.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westerly
In Westerly, RI, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,121 (2026 est.). At $60,627, the local median is 6.15% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westerly: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Westerly Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Westerly median: $60,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westerly Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $64,912 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -6.15% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Westerly, RI earn a median of $60,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $64,912.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westerly has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westerly, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,627 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,325 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,003
2025 BLS Actual
$60,039
2026 Current Est.
$60,627
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,195 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,899 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,767 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,222 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westerly metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $56,003 (2019) to $60,039 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,222 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,219 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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) | $50,431 – $57,503 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,503 – $60,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,627 – $73,367 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,367 – $93,552 |
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 Westerly
Currently, there are five elementary school teachers employed in the Westerly area, highlighting the local job market's tightness and unique challenges for aspiring educators. The cost of living index in Westerly stands at 100.5, which slightly exceeds the national average, and this influences the take-home purchasing power of teachers. Within the local K-12 landscape, public and charter school districts may offer varying compensation structures. Teachers aiming for higher pay might explore special education or STEM positions, typically incentivized through stipends designed to attract talent in shortage areas. The spread between lower and higher salaries often reflects the district's step-and-lane pay scale, which takes into account years of experience and education levels. Maximizing salary potential in Westerly could involve pursuing advanced degrees, securing National Board Certification, or engaging in summer school or after-school contract opportunities to enhance overall earnings in the local education sector.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
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 $60,039 for elementary school teachersin the Westerly 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 Westerly 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