How Much Does an Elementary Teacher Make in South Carolina in 2024

Elementary teachers are the bedrock of a child’s education. They cultivate a love of learning while teaching socialization skills and how to process emotions. But at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, the state confronted a record-breaking number of teaching vacancies. South Carolina needs more quality people to join this crucial vocation.

The average elementary teacher salary in South Carolina as of May 2022 was $54,140. 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 South Carolina. We’ll also outline the various pathways to becoming an elementary teacher, including alternative teacher certification options.

Teacher at front of class in an elementary school lesson

What Is an Elementary Teacher?

Elementary school teachers teach the core educational subjects, such as reading, writing, and mathematics. They follow the curriculum standards set by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). In addition, they guide children’s social and emotional development.

Elementary teachers in South Carolina are often divided into two main specialties:

Early Childhood (PK-3)
Elementary (2-6)

In South Carolina, children can enter kindergarten if they turn five by September 1st of that school year. Most of the state’s elementary schools go up to fifth grade, although some end at fourth and others go as high as sixth.

The lower elementary grades are typically taught in a single classroom. Thus, their teacher is responsible for their entire education. However, the older students may begin changing classrooms for a few subjects, such as math, science, music, and PE.

Excellent elementary school teachers range in teaching styles, skills, and educational philosophy. But those that succeed all have some qualities in common, including:

Commitment: Elementary students emotionally rely upon their teachers. Nor do they do well with uncertainty. These young learners need dependable teachers who are committed to their word, show up on time (or earlier), and are always engaged with their students.
Continuous learner: Young learners are deeply curious and find the world fascinating. To keep them engaged, elementary teachers must share this passion of discovery. In addition, there is always more information coming out on how best to connect, relate, and uplift children at this crucial developmental phase.
Empathetic: Small children have big feelings. An excellent educator understands the importance of taking their students’ emotions and ideas seriously. They help kids learn how to navigate situations, from the difficult to joyful, in a constructive and positive manner.

Elementary school teachers are incredibly busy people. Their role comes with numerous responsibilities, such as:

Capable of teaching a large class, small groups, and one-on-one.
Communicate progress, challenges, and needs with the parents and guardians of their students.
Support their students’ growth and overall development.

How Much Do Elementary Teachers Make in South Carolina?

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

Highest salary – $74,040
Average salary – $54,140
Lowest salary – $38,720

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

percentage south carolina

How To Become an Elementary Teacher in South Carolina

How to become an elementary teacher varies throughout the United States. The SCDE oversees South Carolina’s process. The state’s traditional pathway contains the following steps:

Obtain a bachelor’s degree. All US states require a bachelor’s degree to become a certified, full-time teacher. The traditional pathway involves selecting a degree centered around elementary education. Those using an alternative pathway may have a degree in another subject but will need a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Complete a teacher preparation program: Many universities offer a teacher preparation program as part of the degree.
Gain Field Experience and Student Teaching Hours: South Carolina provides a one-year Internship Certificate to allow candidates to gain student teaching experience. To qualify, the candidate must undergo field experience and submit fingerprints for a background check. It will be performed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Pass the SCBE required exams: Elementary school teachers must pass the relevant Praxis exams.
Apply for certification: The SCDE has two main certification options for those on the traditional pathway. The most common is the Initial Educator Certificate, valid for three years.

However, in August 2022, a Provisional Initial Certificate was introduced to help ease the teaching shortage. It is for traditional candidates who have completed all their requirements except achieving a passing score on one or more required exams. It will only be issued at the request of a school district in need and comes with restrictions.

Both certification options require a background check, typically separate from the one done during student teaching.

Alternative Route to Certification for Elementary School Teachers

South Carolina approved alternative routes to certification for elementary school teachers. The alternative route saves candidates time and money, as they will not have to obtain a second bachelor’s degree in education and typically are allowed to teach while completing their course. It also benefits the state by getting quality teachers into the classroom faster.

Alternative teaching programs in South Carolina vary in their steps. But as a guide, we’ll walk you through the South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow three-year process:

Apply. Be sure you have a four-year bachelor’s degree and a 2.5 GPA
Pre-Classroom Training: A self-paced process that takes 4-6 weeks. It involves:
Online coursework.
Online and in-classroom observation.
Passing the relevant Praxis Core Exams. (See The Learning Liaisons for exam prep resources.)
Apply to the SCDE for a Statement of Eligibility. The paperwork assures potential employers that the candidate has completed the necessary steps to be eligible for teaching employment.
Apply for a teaching position. Always take time to prepare for the interview.
Pass a background check. Candidates cannot apply for any type of certification without passing a background check. Fingerprints will be sent to the SLED and FBI.
Apply for an Alternative Route Teaching Certificate. The alternative certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed three times.
Complete Internship Year: Candidates will teach for pay while being provided support by an on-campus mentor and Field Supervisor. Candidates will be required to complete case studies and fieldwork in classroom management.
Teach for three years: Once candidates have completed three years of full-time teaching and met all necessary requirements, they can apply for a Professional Teaching License, valid for five years and renewable.

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

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

Public schools: South Carolina public schools generally pay the highest salaries. However, the pay significantly varies, depending on the school district, a teacher’s qualifications, and their years of experience.
Private schools: Private school pay swings between the worst and best in the state. It is highly dependent on the institution and the tuition fees. Prestigious schools in the city will pay significantly better than smaller schools in a town.
International schools: International school pay is high in submersion schools, where teachers must be fluent in another language, such as French. However, the smaller, more general schools pay their teachers significantly lower salaries.
Online teaching: Virtual teaching in South Carolina has fewer well-paying jobs and more lower-paying positions. However, it is easier to find part-time roles in this area.
Charter schools: South Carolina charter schools tend to be the lowest paying. However, teachers with more years of experience have a higher salary.

highest to lowest-teaching job

At Teachers of Tomorrow, our mission is to support you as you strive toward becoming one of South Carolina’s top elementary teachers. Don’t wait to make a difference in children’s lives. Begin your journey today!