Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Rome, GA: $80,683 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Rome, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,683/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Rome's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,488 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced elementary school teachers in Rome, GA, can expect a median annual salary of $64,991, with the potential to earn significantly more within the top tier of their profession. The 90th percentile earns an impressive $80,683, while the 75th percentile takes home $76,391, highlighting the substantial income gap between seasoned educators and their less experienced counterparts. Attaining such top elementary school teacher salary in Rome often requires advanced credentials, such as a Master's degree or National Board Certification, and specialization in areas facing acute shortages, like STEM or special education. This experience premium is indicative of the growing demand for high-quality educators who can effectively meet the diverse needs of students in Georgia.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Rome earn between $76,391 and $80,683 per year (2026 est.). This $31,092 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rome median of $64,991 sits 0.61% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Rome | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,991 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,391 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,683 | $105,363 |
In Rome, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 24.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Rome
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $64,991 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rome employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Rome command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,391–$80,683 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rome metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Rome with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Georgia 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 Rome
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRome ranks #34 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $80,683).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Rome ($80,683) is 14.61% below the Georgia average P90 ($94,483).
2019 BLS Actual
$93,810
2025 BLS Actual
$79,900
2026 Current Est.
$80,683
2019–2027 Growth
+-13.1%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,683 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,474 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Rome saw their compensation grow -14.8% from $93,810 in 2019 to $79,900 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 $81,474 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Rome
Compensation for senior elementary school teachers in Rome varies by the type of employer and the specialization of the educator. Teachers who focus on areas such as English Language Learners (ELL), gifted and talented programs, or career and technical education often command higher salaries due to the increasing need for their expertise. K-12 public school districts generally follow a step-and-lane pay structure that rewards years of service and educational attainment. However, charter schools and private institutions can offer different pay scales that may include stipends for positions in high-need areas. Furthermore, career advancement opportunities abound, allowing teachers to transition into roles such as mentor teachers, instructional coaches, or administrators—all promising paths toward enhanced salary prospects in the educational field. Non-salary compensation drivers, including stipends and contract opportunities for extracurricular involvement, also play a critical role in augmenting overall earnings for these seasoned professionals in Rome, GA.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Rome in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Rome?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Rome?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Rome?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Rome?
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
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 $79,900 for elementary school teachers in the Rome 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