Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Plymouth, MN: $113,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Plymouth, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $113,323/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $115,049 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

In Plymouth, Minnesota, achieving a top elementary school teacher salary requires both experience and specialized skills. The 2026 projected figures show that seasoned educators can earn as much as $113,323, with the upper quartile (P75) at $91,767. This significant earning potential highlights the experience premium typically seen in the region, as the median salary for experienced elementary school teachers sits at $73,112. Compared to the national median of $64,597, Plymouth’s upper-tier salaries reveal the city's commitment to rewarding its most accomplished educators. To attain these elevated pay levels, teachers often engage in advanced certifications, specializations, or leadership roles, indicating a focus on continuously enhancing their skill sets and contributions to the educational community.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $91,767 and $113,323 per year (2026 est.). This $61,209 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $73,112 sits 13.18% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $73,112 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,767 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $113,323 | $105,363 |
In Plymouth, 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 Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $73,112 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $91,767–$113,323 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Minnesota 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 Plymouth
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #8 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $113,323).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Plymouth ($113,323) is 12.88% above the Minnesota average P90 ($100,391).
2019 BLS Actual
$105,296
2025 BLS Actual
$112,223
2026 Current Est.
$113,323
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,071 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,964 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,788 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,433 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $105,296 in 2019 to $112,223 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 $114,433 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
The dynamics of senior elementary school teacher pay in MN reflect both market demands and varied employer structures. Specializations in high-need areas, such as STEM, special education, and bilingual education, frequently come with additional stipends, and roles like instructional coaches or Advanced Placement teachers are particularly lucrative. When comparing compensation across different types of educational institutions, public school districts generally adhere to more standardized pay scales influenced by experience and education. In contrast, charter schools may offer flexible pay structures, sometimes resulting in higher salaries for longer hours or unique curricula. Aspiring leaders can find multiple pathways for advancement, from becoming a mentor teacher to taking on principal roles, and obtaining National Board Certification can further elevate their potential earnings. Moreover, non-salary benefits, including stipends for shortage areas and extended contracts, are important factors for experienced educators looking to maximize their overall compensation in Plymouth.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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 $112,223 for elementary school teachers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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