Elementary School Teacher Salary in Williston, ND: $56,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Williston, ND earns a median $56,707/year (≈ $27.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Williston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $61,638 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, elementary school teachers in Williston, North Dakota, can expect a median annual salary of $56,707, which is notably lower than the national median of $64,597. The local salary range spans from $44,858 at the 10th percentile to $87,896 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the specific conditions of Williston's educational landscape. The step-and-lane pay structure commonly employed in K-12 districts further influences compensation based on years of experience and educational attainment, particularly for those with advanced degrees such as a master's or higher. In Williston, this established salary framework positions educators in a way that contrasts with more competitive urban markets, suggesting a tight job market for teaching professionals despite the necessary qualifications.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,858 | $21.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,272 | $25.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,707 | $27.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,248 | $34.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,896 | $42.26 |
Median Salary Position
12.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
In Williston, ND, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,038 (2026 est.). At $56,707, the local median is 12.21% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Williston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Williston Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Williston median: $56,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Williston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $59,442 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -12.21% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Williston, ND earn a median of $56,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.21% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.60% below the North Dakota state average of $59,442.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Williston has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Williston, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $56,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,638 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,382
2025 BLS Actual
$56,157
2026 Current Est.
$56,707
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,382 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,497 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,902 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,917 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,157 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,263 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Williston metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $52,382 (2019) to $56,157 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,263 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,881 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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) | $44,858 – $52,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,272 – $56,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,707 – $71,248 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,248 – $87,896 |
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 Williston
The teaching job market in Williston employs seven elementary school teachers, indicating a relatively modest local workforce in this sector. With a cost-of-living index at 92, educators may experience a lower take-home purchasing power compared to the national average. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer competitive pay, though high-performance charter schools may provide additional stipends for teachers in shortage areas like STEM and special education. The difference in salaries can be attributed to various factors including the district's established step-and-lane pay scale, potential incentives for specialized skills, and opportunities for summer school placements or extended-year contracts. Educators aiming to maximize their earnings should consider seeking additional qualifications, such as National Board Certification, or pursuing roles within educational institutions that offer higher pay scales or geographic salaries. Understanding these dynamics is essential for teachers making career decisions in Williston, ND, particularly with regard to long-term financial stability.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
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 $56,157 for elementary school teachersin the Williston 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 Williston 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