Elementary School Teacher Salary in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$62,780
in Grand Rapids · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$66,102
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#90
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in Grand Rapids
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Grand Rapids, MI is $62,780 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $5,232/month or $30/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Grand Rapids pays 15% less than the typical city.
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 95.0 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $62,780 in Grand Rapids is equivalent to $66,102 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $109,330 |
| Registered Nurse | $85,880 |
| Electrician | $65,560 |
| Accountant | $81,540 |
Full cost of living profile for Grand Rapids
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Grand Rapids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Grand Rapids?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Grand Rapids, MI is $62,780 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Grand Rapids Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Grand Rapids Elementary School Teacher pay ($62,780) is 15% below the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Grand Rapids?
Yes. Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 95.0 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $62,780 salary in Grand Rapids has the purchasing power of approximately $66,102 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology