Education and libraries
Elementary school teacher
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Median pay
$63,970
Growth to 2035
0%
little or no change
Openings a year
87,500
Time to qualify*
12 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Elementary school teacher
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
- Required
- Praxis or state teaching exams · State teaching license
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Exposure to disease
Elementary school teacher: 97% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Read books to entire classes or small groups.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Also called: Art Teacher · Classroom Teacher · Elementary Classroom Teacher · Elementary School Teacher · Elementary Teacher · Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher) · Music Teacher · Primary Teacher
Outlook and AI
Elementary school teachers held 1,419,300 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 1,413,400 by 2035 (0%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Elementary school teacher vs. High school teacher
- Elementary school teacher vs. Registered nurse
- Elementary school teacher vs. Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education
- Elementary school teacher vs. Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors
- Elementary school teacher vs. Kindergarten teachers, except special education
- Elementary school teacher vs. Tutor
- Elementary school teacher vs. Special education teachers, secondary school
- Elementary school teacher vs. Special education teachers, middle school