Teacher Salary

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.

$100,526
Top 10% Earn
$48.33/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$94,406
75th Percentile
$100,526
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Elementary School Teacher Senior Salary in Akron, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Akron, OH elementary school teacher senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for elementary school teachers in Akron. The median salary is $79,330, compared to the national median of $64,597.$42.4K$58.2K$74.0K$89.8K$105.6K$47.1K10th Pctl$58.8K25th Pctl$79.3KMedian$94.4K75th Pctl$100.5K90th PctlUS Median$64.6K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of elementary school teacher pay in the Akron metro area.

Top Teacher Salary Comparison

LevelAkronNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$47,148 – $79,330

Senior/Lead Elementary School Teacher

5-10 years
$79,330 – $94,406

Elementary School Teacher Department Manager

10+ years
$94,406+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Akron 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for elementary school teachers in Akron. Baseline $91,130 in 2025, projected to $101,511 by 2027.$77.2K$93.0K$108.8K$124.6K$140.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$91.1K$95.0K$86.2K$95.0K$131.4K$105.0K$99.5K$100.5K$101.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$91,130Actual
2020$94,970Actual
2021$86,230Actual
2022$95,020Actual
2023$131,410Actual
2024$105,010Actual
2025$99,550Actual
2026(current)$100,526Estimated
2027$101,511Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Akron in 2026?

Top-earning elementary school teachers in Akron (90th percentile) make $100,526/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 0.98% annual growth). This is $21,196 more than the area median of $79,330 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior elementary school teachers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Akron?

Higher elementary school teacher pay in Akron is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Akron?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for elementary school teachers in Akron include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $79,330, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Akron?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Akron is $100,526, well above $100K. Elementary School Teachers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Akron?

In Akron, the gap between entry level ($47,148) and top earners ($100,526) is $53,378, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Ohio

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

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

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