Elementary School Teacher Salary in Gallatin, TN: $58,583 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Gallatin, TN earns a median $58,583/year (≈ $28.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Gallatin's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $63,816 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated annual pay for elementary school teachers in Gallatin, TN, reaches a median of $58,583, which is notably lower than the national median of $64,597. The salary range reflects this disparity, with entry-level positions earning approximately $43,049 and top earners making around $90,803. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living, highlight the challenge of balancing compensation within a market characterized by a lower-than-average cost of living index of 91.8. Despite being lower than national averages, the salaries underscore the potential for competitive pay in a city that aims to attract qualified educators amid varying local demand.
About the Gallatin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,049 | $20.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,137 | $26.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,583 | $28.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,618 | $35.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,803 | $43.65 |
Median Salary Position
9.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallatin
In Gallatin, TN, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,754 (2026 est.). At $58,583, the local median is 9.31% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallatin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gallatin Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Gallatin median: $58,583/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallatin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $60,394 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -9.31% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Gallatin, TN earn a median of $58,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.31% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $60,394.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallatin 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.
Gallatin, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $58,583 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,816 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,114
2025 BLS Actual
$58,014
2026 Current Est.
$58,583
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,751 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,628 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,583 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,157 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallatin metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $54,114 (2019) to $58,014 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,157 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,043 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallatin 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) | $43,049 – $55,137 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,137 – $58,583 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,583 – $74,618 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,618 – $90,803 |
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 Gallatin
While Gallatin employs only 11 elementary school teachers, the job market demonstrates stability considering the community's small size. The cost of living index suggests that teachers may find their take-home pay stretches further than in many high-cost urban areas. Competitive salaries can be found among public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions, fluctuating based on specific district pay scales and available stipends. The disparity between lower and higher salaries often stems from experience levels and educational credentials under the step-and-lane salary model, as well as additional incentives for shortage areas like special education and STEM. Teachers looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing advanced degrees or National Board Certification, both of which can lead to increased pay, and engage in summer school and after-school tutoring opportunities. In Gallatin, understanding the local compensation dynamics is essential for prospective teachers to navigate their salary expectations effectively.
More salary data for Gallatin, 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 $58,014 for elementary school teachersin the Gallatin 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 Gallatin 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