Education Teachers, Postsecondary vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Education Teachers, Postsecondary out-earn Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education by $11K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Education Teachers, Postsecondary land at $75,350 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education at $63,970. The education gap is real: education teachers, postsecondary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while elementary school teachers, except special education programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Education Teachers, Postsecondary is California ($111,850); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Education Teachers, Postsecondary median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Education Teachers, Postsecondary or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn more nationally. The median is $75,350 for Education Teachers, Postsecondary versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, a difference of $11K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Education Teachers, Postsecondary or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Education Teachers, Postsecondary has the better 10-year outlook at 2.1% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Education Teachers, Postsecondary or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Education Teachers, Postsecondary typically requires bachelor's degree. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Education Teachers, Postsecondary get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Education Teachers, Postsecondary at $111,850/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Education Teachers, Postsecondary vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn $111,850 vs. $99,650 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.