Elementary School Teacher salary in North Carolina
Elementary school teachers in North Carolina earn a median $54,930 a year, 14% below the national median of $63,970. That ranks #46 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $44,633.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 25-2021. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $54,930 | $4,578 | $2,113 | $26.41 |
| Average pay | $54,070 | $4,506 | $2,080 | $26.00 |
| Take-home (median) | $44,633 | $3,719 | $1,717 | $21.46 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $4,412 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $4,202 |
| North Carolina income tax | $1,683 |
| Take-home | $44,633 |
North Carolina's prices are 6% below the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $47,318 buys in an average-priced state. The North Carolina minimum wage is $7.25; the median elementary school teacher earns 3.6 times that.
Elementary School Teacher pay in North Carolina vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $54,930 | $44,633 | $47,318 |
| Georgia | $72,290 | $56,827 | $59,015 |
| South Carolina | $60,820 | $49,628 | $52,937 |
| Tennessee | $59,980 | $50,374 | $54,832 |
| Virginia | $65,550 | $51,894 | $51,328 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do elementary school teachers make in North Carolina?
- The median salary is $54,930 a year ($26.41 an hour), and the average is $54,070, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do elementary school teachers take home in North Carolina?
- About $44,633 a year after federal and North Carolina taxes, or $1,717 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do elementary school teachers earn more in North Carolina than the national average?
- North Carolina ranks #46 of 51 for median pay, 14% below the U.S. median of $63,970. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #47.