Third Grade Teacher Salary in the United States

How much does a Third Grade Teacher make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Third Grade Teacher in the United States is $55,184 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Third Grade Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,760
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,170 to $62,291
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,873
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View as table View as graph 25% $47,170 10% $39,873 90% $68,760 75% $62,291 $55,184 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Third Grade Teacher Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $62,291 $5,191 $1,198 $30
Average $55,184 $4,599 $1,061 $27
25th Percentile $47,170 $3,931 $907 $23
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Key Factors That Influence Third Grade Teacher Salaries

A Third Grade Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Third Grade Teacher Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Third Grade Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $51,960
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $52,205
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $55,184
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $58,110
  • Expert (over 8 years): $58,319
Levels Salary
Entry Level Third Grade Teacher$51,960
Intermediate Level Third Grade Teacher$52,205
Senior Level Third Grade Teacher$55,184
Specialist Level Third Grade Teacher$58,110
Expert Level Third Grade Teacher$58,319
$51,960 0 yr
$52,205 < 2 yrs
$55,184 2-4 yrs
$58,110 5-8 yrs
$58,319 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Third Grade Teachers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $69,604
  • San Francisco: $68,920
  • Oakland: $67,391

What Skills Can Increase a Third Grade Teacher's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.13% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Special Education (Mentioned in 5.55% Job Postings): Special education is the practice of educating students in a way that accommodates their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs.
  • Physical Education (Mentioned in 2.46% Job Postings): Physical education, often abbreviated to Phys Ed. or P.E., is a subject taught in schools around the world. It is usually taught during primary and secondary education, and encourages psychomotor learning.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.13%
Special Education 5.55%
Physical Education 2.46%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Third Grade Teacher's salary.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Physical Education: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Accountability
$58,495
6%
Collaboration
$57,944
5%
Physical Education
$56,840
3%
Analysis
$56,288
2%
Coaching
$56,288
2%
Dedication
$56,288
2%
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How Education impacts a Third Grade Teacher's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Third Grade Teachers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Third Grade Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,827 and $60,665).

Third Grade Teacher Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Third Grade Teacher
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.1%
High School 2.6%
Associates 2.2%
Bachelors 45.4%
Masters 46.3%
Doctorate 3.4%
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Third Grade Teacher Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Third Grade Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on April 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Third Grade Teacher

Salaries for a Third Grade Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,693 in 2023 to around $54,466 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Third Grade Teacher salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Third Grade Teacher Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,693
2024
$54,909
2025
$54,466
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,693
2024 $54,909
2025 $54,466
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Third Grade Teacher

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Third Grade Teacher

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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