Elementary School Teacher Salary in Garner, NC: $49,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Garner, NC earns a median $49,793/year (≈ $23.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Garner's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $53,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garner, NC, elementary school teachers have a median annual salary of $49,793 as projected for 2026, which falls significantly below the national average of $64,597. The local salary range spans from $39,612 at the 10th percentile up to $77,180 at the 90th percentile. In addition to base pay, teachers in shortage areas such as special education, STEM, and bilingual education are often eligible for stipends that can enhance overall compensation substantially. These figures stem from careful estimates based on 2025 BLS data and reflect regional cost differentiations, providing a clearer picture of the financial landscape for educators in this community.
About the Garner Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,612 | $19.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,219 | $22.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,793 | $23.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,736 | $30.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,180 | $37.11 |
Median Salary Position
22.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garner
In Garner, NC, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,568 (2026 est.). At $49,793, the local median is 22.92% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Garner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Garner Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Garner median: $49,793/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Garner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $51,922 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -22.92% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Garner, NC earn a median of $49,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.92% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $51,922.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Garner has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Garner, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $49,793 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,198 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,995
2025 BLS Actual
$49,310
2026 Current Est.
$49,793
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,995 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,329 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,281 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Garner metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $45,995 (2019) to $49,310 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,281 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,286 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garner 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) | $39,612 – $46,219 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,219 – $49,793 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,793 – $63,736 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,736 – $77,180 |
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 Garner
Examining the job market, there are currently only 4 elementary school teachers employed in Garner, highlighting a tight labor pool that could become more competitive as attrition occurs. The cost of living index in this area stands at 93.6, significantly below the national average, suggesting that teachers' take-home purchasing power is moderately better than in higher-cost districts. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically provide the most competitive compensation, while private and charter institutions might vary in pay, particularly those that prioritize specialized instruction. The salary range is influenced by a variety of factors, including the step-and-lane pay structure, advanced degrees (such as master's or doctorate levels), and potential stipends for National Board Certification. To maximize earnings, educators in Garner should consider pursuing these credentials, demonstrating expertise in high-needs subject areas, or engaging in summer school or after-school programs, all of which can enhance pay.
More salary data for Garner, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $49,310 for elementary school teachersin the Garner 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 Garner 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