Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Quincy, IL: $92,645 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,645/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,412 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

An experienced elementary school teacher salary in Quincy, IL, reflects a significant potential for top-tier earnings, particularly for professionals with extensive experience and advanced qualifications. In 2026, the salary range for the highest earners is projected to hit as high as $92,645, with those in the 75th percentile earning approximately $76,188 annually. This establishes a notable contrast with the median salary of $59,771, emphasizing the financial rewards associated with achieving seniority in the field. Advancing to this elite level often demands not only years of service but also strategic career moves such as acquiring leadership roles or specializations that are in high demand.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $76,188 and $92,645 per year (2026 est.). This $48,644 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $59,771 sits 7.47% below the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,771 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,188 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,645 | $105,363 |
In Quincy, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $59,771 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,188–$92,645 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Quincy with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Elementary School Teacher Career & Wage Growth Path in Quincy
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #40 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $92,645).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Quincy ($92,645) is 11.1% below the Illinois average P90 ($104,207).
2019 BLS Actual
$86,083
2025 BLS Actual
$91,746
2026 Current Est.
$92,645
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,352 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,082 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,158 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,746 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,645 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,553 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $86,083 in 2019 to $91,746 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 0.98% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $93,553 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Quincy
In Quincy, certain specializations can unlock substantial salary increases for seasoned educators. A focus on STEM fields or special education, both of which experience chronic shortages, often commands premium pay. Furthermore, roles such as instructional coaches or gifted and talented coordinators are crucial for schools and tend to be associated with higher compensation. Senior elementary school teacher pay in IL can significantly vary depending on the educational setting; for instance, compensation packages differ markedly between K-12 public institutions and private or charter schools, with the latter sometimes offering performance-based incentives. Additionally, advanced credentials, including National Board Certification or a Master’s degree, can position teachers for higher salary scales within the district's step-and-lane system. Non-salary benefits, such as stipends for shortage areas, extended contracts for summer sessions, and professional development reimbursements, also contribute to the overall financial package available to experienced teachers in Quincy, enhancing their long-term career viability and satisfaction.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Quincy?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Quincy?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Quincy?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $91,746 for elementary school teachers in the Quincy metro area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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