Elementary School Teacher Salary in Apple Valley, MN: $71,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Apple Valley, MN earns a median $71,626/year (≈ $34.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $72,717 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

By 2026, elementary school teachers in Apple Valley, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $71,626, surpassing the national median of $64,597 by about 10.88%. Salary ranges for educators in this region are significant, with the lowest earners making approximately $54,456 and the highest reaching up to $111,020. These figures have been derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted to reflect local economic conditions and the cost of living. Living in an area where the cost of living index is slightly below national averages can mean that teachers here enjoy a better purchasing power compared to other HCOL districts, which can positively impact their overall financial stability in Apple Valley's job market.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,456 | $26.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,647 | $31.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,626 | $34.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,682 | $44.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,020 | $53.38 |
Median Salary Position
10.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, MN, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,564 (2026 est.). At $71,626, the local median is 10.88% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apple Valley Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $71,626/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,841 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +10.88% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Apple Valley, MN earn a median of $71,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.88% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 3.00% below the Minnesota state average of $73,841.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $71,626 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,717 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,163
2025 BLS Actual
$70,931
2026 Current Est.
$71,626
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,759 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,328 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $66,163 (2019) to $70,931 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,328 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,165 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,456 – $64,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,647 – $71,626 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,626 – $91,682 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,682 – $111,020 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Apple Valley
Currently, there are 13 elementary school teachers employed in Apple Valley, reflecting a stable local job market. The cost of living index, at 98.5, suggests that while housing and expenses might be lower than in other higher-cost areas, the effective take-home pay for educators remains competitive. Among local employers, public school districts typically offer the most structured pay through established step-and-lane salary scales, which correlate experience and education levels. Teachers in shortage areas such as special education, STEM, or bilingual education can often command additional stipends. For maximizing earnings, focusing on advanced degrees or certifications, like National Board Certification, could also be beneficial. Overall, educators in Apple Valley MN have a favorable landscape for earning potential, particularly when considering the varied avenues for supplemental income, such as coaching, extended contracts, or tutoring.
More salary data for Apple Valley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $70,931 for elementary school teachersin the Apple Valley metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley 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