Elementary School Teacher Salary in Memphis, TN (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$56,070
in Memphis · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$60,981
adjusted for local cost of living
Elementary School Teachers in Memphis
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Memphis, TN is $56,070 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $4,673/month or $27/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Memphis pays 24% less than the typical city.
Memphis 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, $56,070 in Memphis is equivalent to $60,981 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 Memphis 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 Memphis
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $116,280 |
| Registered Nurse | $84,850 |
| Electrician | $57,850 |
| Accountant | $81,700 |
Full cost of living profile for Memphis
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Memphis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Memphis?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Memphis, TN is $56,070 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Memphis Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Memphis Elementary School Teacher pay ($56,070) is 24% below the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Memphis?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $56,070 salary in Memphis has the purchasing power of approximately $60,981 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology