Elementary School Teacher Salary in Cookeville, TN: $57,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Cookeville, TN earns a median $57,406/year (≈ $27.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Cookeville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $62,534 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the elementary school teacher salary in Cookeville, TN, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $57,406. This figure represents a competitive amount within the local job market, though it falls below the national median of $64,597 by approximately 11.13%. Salaries for teachers in this area range from $45,018 at the 10th percentile to $88,980 at the 90th percentile. It’s also important to consider that certain teaching positions, particularly in special education, STEM areas, and bilingual education, may qualify for additional stipends that enhance base pay. These adjustments can significantly impact overall earnings and highlight the specific needs of the local educational environment, which is important for job seekers considering their future in Cookeville.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,018 | $21.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,625 | $25.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,406 | $27.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,844 | $34.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,980 | $42.78 |
Median Salary Position
11.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cookeville
In Cookeville, TN, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,962 (2026 est.). At $57,406, the local median is 11.13% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cookeville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cookeville Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Cookeville median: $57,406/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cookeville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $60,427 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -11.13% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Cookeville, TN earn a median of $57,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.13% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $60,427.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cookeville has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cookeville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $57,406 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,534 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,028
2025 BLS Actual
$56,849
2026 Current Est.
$57,406
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,156 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,823 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,591 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,969 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cookeville metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $53,028 (2019) to $56,849 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,969 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,941 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville 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) | $45,018 – $52,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,625 – $57,406 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,406 – $71,844 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,844 – $88,980 |
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 Cookeville
Looking closely at the job landscape, Cookeville currently employs seven elementary school teachers who are navigating a cost-of-living index at 91.8—indicating it's lower than the national average. This reality can influence the take-home salary, making it essential for educators to maximize their earnings through available options. Public K-12 school districts typically use a step-and-lane pay structure, rewarding educators based on years of experience and level of education. Those willing to pursue shortage-area stipends in special education or STEM could find themselves earning significantly more than their peers. Charter schools like KIPP might also provide better pay for extended hours, whereas private institutions might vary widely. To enhance their pay in this specific Cookeville market, aspiring teachers should consider pursuing National Board Certification and exploring summer school or tutoring opportunities, enabling them to elevate their educational impact and financial well-being.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
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 $56,849 for elementary school teachersin the Cookeville 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 Cookeville 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