How Much Does an Elementary Teacher Make in North Carolina in 2023

Elementary teachers are a fundamental influence on the next generation. They lay the foundation for the children’s educational future. However, North Carolina’s teaching shortage has left districts competing for qualified educators. It’s the perfect time to become an elementary teacher and embark on a journey that makes a positive difference.

The average elementary teacher salary in North Carolina as of May 2022 was $49,560. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.

In this guide, Teachers of Tomorrow examines elementary school teachers’ salaries in North Carolina. We’ll also discuss the various pathways to becoming an elementary teacher, including alternative teacher certification options.

School days teacher and students

What Is an Elementary Teacher?

North Carolina elementary teachers generally teach students ages 5-11 in grades K-6 in a single classroom throughout the year. However, educational professionals with specialized training in special education, PE, music, or art may teach a broader range of ages and grade levels.

Elementary teachers are tasked with introducing and implementing the curriculum based on the academic standards set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

There is a focus on the core subjects: reading, writing, and math. North Carolina elementary schools also instruct in social studies and science and aim to offer music, art, and PE.

All elementary teachers have unique teaching styles, personalities, and strengths. However, successful educators all share some specific qualities, including:

Building Effective Relationships: It’s essential to connect with students, their caretakers, colleagues, and members of the community. Communication, teamwork, and cooperation put the child’s well-being first, create opportunities, and make lessons effective and impactful.
Planning: Only through structure and forethought can progress be made while working with young people. The students and school environment are unpredictable, but the unexpected can be dealt with calmly and thoughtfully when an overall purpose has been designed.
Humor: A sense of humor is necessary to relate to young people and hold their attention. In addition, the work’s stress and the classroom’s unpredictability are eased by those who can find the lighter side of situations and events.

Elementary school teachers have numerous responsibilities, including the following:

Modeling and encouraging life skills and positive social interactions.
Planning engaging and effective lessons that meet the demands of the NCDPI academic standards.
Maintaining student records and communicating the necessary information to their caregivers and other essential role players.

teacher make in north carolina in 2023

How Much Do Elementary Teachers Make in North Carolina?

The average annual salaries for elementary school teachers in North Carolina as of May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Highest salary – $60,530
Average salary – $49,560
Lowest salary – $37,950

North Carolina elementary school teaching salaries vary depending on the district and the teacher’s qualifications, years of experience, and additional skills.

North Carolina percent-wages

How To Become an Elementary Teacher in North Carolina

The first step in becoming an elementary teacher in North Carolina is having a bachelor’s degree: a country-wide requirement. The remaining steps and rules regarding licensing and certification vary between states.

The NCDPI mandates that North Carolina elementary school teachers:

Obtain a bachelor’s degree. For those seeking to pursue the traditional route, a degree in elementary education is recommended. Most programs offer minors and concentrations for specific areas of interest within the field.
Complete a teacher preparation program: North Carolina provides a helpful list of approved educator preparation programs.
Pass the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) required licensure exams: SBE licensure requires elementary school teachers to take the relevant Pearson and Praxis exams.
Apply for an NCE Educator License: Candidates must use the NCDPI Online Licensure System to submit their application.
Apply for elementary teaching positions: The NCDPI has links to help connect candidates with schools currently hiring.
Learn the necessary steps for your background check: North Carolina does not yet require background checks to be licensed. Instead, they have districts that determine the type of background check(s) performed and if fingerprinting is required.

Alternative Route to Certification for Elementary School Teachers

North Carolina has introduced the Residency License as an alternative pathway to becoming a teacher. The route allows qualifying individuals to teach immediately while participating in an approved educator preparation program such as Teachers of Tomorrow. The Residency License is valid for one year and can be renewed twice, providing three years of teaching.

The Residency License pathway has replaced the previous North Carolina alternative pathway, the Lateral Entry License. To qualify, the candidate must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree.
Have completed relevant coursework for the specific requested licensure area or passed the necessary exams.
Be enrolled in an approved educator preparation program.

Those who do not qualify for a Residency License may be eligible for one of the following licenses upon the request of the hiring district:

Emergency License: Issued for one year and is not renewable. Must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 18 hours of relevant coursework.
Permit to Teach: Issued for one year and is not renewable. Must have a bachelor’s degree and not qualify for other license options.

What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Elementary School Teaching Job?

As a certified elementary school teacher in North Carolina, you can work in various settings:

Public schools: North Carolina’s public school salaries vary depending on the district and years of experience. The better-paying positions are typically in areas with higher standards of living.
Charter schools: North Carolina had 206 charter schools operating for the 2022-2023 school year. Unlike many states, NC’s charter schools have access to district funding and state funding, allowing them to offer competitive salaries.
Private schools: North Carolina has 844 private schools for the 2023-23 school year. Depending on tuition fees, size, and location, their salaries can range from the state’s highest and lowest paying teaching jobs.
International schools: Generally, international schools have a more demanding curriculum in the higher grades. Thus, the best salaries are typically reserved for high school and not at the elementary school level.
Online teaching: Virtual teaching in North Carolina favors specialized positions rather than general elementary education and tends to be on the lower end of the pay scale.

North Carolina annual-salary

At Teachers of Tomorrow, we look forward to helping you achieve your career goal of becoming one of North Carolina’s top elementary teachers. Start now on your journey to making a difference.