Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Winona, MN: $108,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Winona, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $108,519/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Winona's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,172 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 Winona, MN, senior elementary school teachers can anticipate lucrative compensation as they mature in their careers. The top elementary school teacher salary in Winona is projected to be $108,519 in 2026, with a substantial portion of experienced educators earning at least $87,303, reflecting the competitive demands for seasoned professionals. Comparatively, this top range exceeds the national figures, which are currently set at a median annual salary of $64,597. The significant gap between the median salary of $70,012 and the highest earners at $108,519 illustrates the potential for experienced educators to access premium pay through advanced qualifications and roles within schools, such as instructional coaches or specialized coordinators. Achieving this level of compensation often requires dedication to continuous professional development, including pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in high-demand areas.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Winona earn between $87,303 and $108,519 per year (2026 est.). This $53,911 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winona median of $70,012 sits 8.38% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Winona | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $70,012 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,303 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $108,519 | $105,363 |
In Winona, 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 Winona
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $70,012 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winona employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Winona command premium compensation, often reaching the $87,303–$108,519 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winona 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 Winona 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 Winona
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinona ranks #34 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $108,519).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Winona ($108,519) is 8.1% above the Minnesota average P90 ($100,391).
2019 BLS Actual
$100,833
2025 BLS Actual
$107,466
2026 Current Est.
$108,519
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,399 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,466 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,583 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Winona saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $100,833 in 2019 to $107,466 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 $109,583 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Focusing on the specializations that command premium pay in Winona reveals a nuanced landscape for experienced elementary school teachers. Areas such as STEM, special education, and English Language Learners are in particularly high demand, frequently offering additional stipends that can heighten overall compensation. Differences in salary structures across various employer types are notable, with K-12 public school districts often adhering to established step-and-lane scales, while charter and private schools may offer varied compensation packages based on performance and additional responsibilities. Career advancement options abound for seasoned teachers, progressing from classroom roles to leadership positions such as instructional coaches or department heads. Attaining credentials such as National Board Certification or pursuing a master's degree can further enhance earning potential. Additionally, compensation is influenced by the local cost of living, which in Winona is slightly below the national average, suggesting that the real value of these salaries can extend further in terms of lifestyle and financial security.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Winona in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Winona?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Winona?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Winona?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Winona?
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 $107,466 for elementary school teachers in the Winona 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 Winona 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