Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Great Falls, MT: $76,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,250/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $78,734 in average-cost America. The 56% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For those pursuing an advanced career in education, the potential to earn a top-tier salary as a senior elementary school teacher in Great Falls is substantial, with the highest earners (P90) projected to make $76,250 in 2026. This figure illustrates a notable financial advantage for experienced professionals, especially given the P75 bracket at $62,729. The gap between the city’s median annual salary of $48,794 and its highest earnings represents the significant experience premium available in this market. Achieving such financial milestones typically requires not only several years (7+ years) of dedicated service but also advanced certifications, specialized skills, and possibly leadership roles within the educational community.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $62,729 and $76,250 per year (2026 est.). This $37,888 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $48,794 sits 24.46% below the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $48,794 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,729 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,250 | $105,363 |
In Great Falls, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 56.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Great Falls
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $48,794 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $62,729–$76,250 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Montana 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 Great Falls
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat Falls ranks #7 of 7 Montana cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $76,250).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Great Falls ($76,250) is 12.63% below the Montana average P90 ($87,274).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,300
2025 BLS Actual
$75,510
2026 Current Est.
$76,250
2019–2027 Growth
+5.0%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,997 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 3.0% from $73,300 in 2019 to $75,510 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 $76,997 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
In Great Falls, certain teaching specializations can further enhance earning potential, particularly in areas facing shortages like STEM fields, special education, and English Language Learners (ELL). Educators with expertise in these areas often receive additional compensation, reflecting the demand for highly skilled teachers. Salary structures vary notably among different types of employers, with K-12 public schools following a step-and-lane pay scale based on years of service and education level, while private schools and charter networks can offer variable compensation packages that may include added incentives for high-achieving teachers. Advancement prospects are also prominent, transitioning from classroom roles to mentorship or administration positions, further backed by credentials like the National Board Certification. Non-salary compensation, such as stipends for critical shortage areas, summer contracts, and additional pay for advanced degrees, are significant factors in the overall financial incentive for senior elementary school teachers in MT, making the profession rewarding both personally and financially.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Great Falls?
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 $75,510 for elementary school teachers in the Great Falls 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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