Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
An Elementary School Teacher educates children in the primary grades, typically from kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade, depending on the school system. They focus on introducing students to a range of subjects and fundamental skills, fostering academic and social development.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 0.7% (below average)
Annual job openings: 91,000
Direct AI exposure: 14% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 49% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $64K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $48K per year | $58K per year | $64K per year | $81K per year | $104K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average. | ||||
Elementary School Teachers work in public and private schools. Their environment is typically a classroom setting, though they also use school facilities like libraries, gyms, and playgrounds. They may have to work after school hours for planning, meetings, and student activities and often interact with parents, administrators, and other teachers.
Elementary School Teachers play a pivotal role in the early educational journey of children. They lay the groundwork for all future learning by teaching basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and introducing students to subjects like science, social studies, and the arts. Beyond academics, they help students develop social skills, such as cooperation and conflict resolution, and foster a love of learning.
Teachers in this field must be adept at creating engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. They must also be skilled in classroom management, maintaining a balance between discipline and a nurturing environment. Continuous assessment and adaptation of teaching strategies to meet individual student needs are key aspects of the job.
Elementary School Teaching requires a combination of patience, creativity, and strong communication skills. Teachers must be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues. They also need to keep abreast of educational trends and continually adapt to new teaching methods and technologies.
To become an Elementary School Teacher, a bachelor's degree in elementary education or a related field is usually required, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Additionally, teachers must obtain a teaching license or certification in the state where they wish to teach.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
