Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Akron, OH: $100,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Akron, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,526/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Akron's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $107,664 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source

In Akron, Ohio, senior elementary school teachers can unlock substantial earning potential, with top earners in the field (P90) projected to reach $100,526 in 2026. This salary places them well above the national counterparts, highlighting the attractive compensation structure in this region. The substantial gap between the median annual salary of $79,330 and the figures at the upper echelons (P75 at $94,406) reflects not only the experience premium associated with seasoned teachers but also the value districts place on highly qualified and effective educators. Achieving this level of pay typically requires over seven years of teaching experience, along with potentially pursuing advanced credentials and specializations that contribute to enhanced earnings.
Individuals positioned within specific high-demand areas can command even greater compensation. Specializations in STEM fields, special education, and English Language Learners often come with significant shortages, leading to premium pay that can increase overall earnings. Pay differences can be notable depending on the type of educational institution; K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private schools all offer varied salary structures for experienced employees. Advancement opportunities abound, allowing professionals to gradually transition from classroom roles to leadership positions such as curriculum specialists or administrators. Furthermore, earning a National Board Certification and advanced degrees such as a Master's can substantially elevate an educator's salary, adding more financial incentives to the career pathway. In Akron, with its lower cost of living index at 93.37, senior teachers also benefit from competitive compensation relative to living expenses, making the teaching profession an appealing choice.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Akron earn between $94,406 and $100,526 per year (2026 est.). This $53,378 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Akron median of $79,330 sits 22.81% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Akron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,330 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,406 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,526 | $105,363 |
In Akron, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 26.72% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Akron
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $79,330 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Akron employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Akron command premium compensation, often reaching the $94,406–$100,526 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Akron metro area, which is a large Teacher employment market, 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 Akron 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 Ohio 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 Akron
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAkron ranks #58 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $100,526).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Akron ($100,526) is 0.85% above the Ohio average P90 ($99,682).
2019 BLS Actual
$91,130
2025 BLS Actual
$99,550
2026 Current Est.
$100,526
2019–2027 Growth
+11.4%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,511 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Akron saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $91,130 in 2019 to $99,550 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 $101,511 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Akron in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Akron?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Akron?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Akron?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Akron?
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 $99,550 for elementary school teachers in the Akron 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