Elementary School Teacher Salary in Durham, NC (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$63,830
in Durham · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$69,435
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#87
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in Durham
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Durham, NC is $63,830 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $5,319/month or $31/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Durham pays 14% less than the typical city.
Durham has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $63,830 in Durham is equivalent to $69,435 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Durham metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WA | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Durham
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $125,090 |
| Registered Nurse | $90,700 |
| Electrician | $60,360 |
| Accountant | $74,950 |
Full cost of living profile for Durham
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Durham?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Durham, NC is $63,830 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Durham Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Durham Elementary School Teacher pay ($63,830) is 14% below the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Durham?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $63,830 salary in Durham has the purchasing power of approximately $69,435 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology