Elementary School Teacher in Arlington, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

As a local, I can tell you that teaching in Arlington is a stable, middle-class career path. The city isn't a high-paying hotspot for educators, but it offers a consistent living wage that aligns closely with the national average. The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher here is $64,300/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.91/hour. This is marginally higher than the national average of $63,670/year, a small but meaningful difference when you factor in local economic conditions.

Arlington is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a massive employment engine. However, within the metro, Arlington's teacher salaries are moderate. The region is diverse economically, with higher-paying teaching jobs often found in the more affluent northern suburbs like Plano or Frisco, but those come with a significantly higher cost of living. Arlington offers a "sweet spot" for many educators—a large, diverse student population with a manageable cost of living.

Here’s how experience typically translates to earnings in the Arlington Independent School District (ISD) and surrounding districts:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $59,000	Starting base salary for certified teachers.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$62,000 - $68,000	Aligns with the median; where most teachers sit.
Senior (10-15 years)	$69,000 - $74,000	With additional stipends for roles like mentor teacher.
Expert (16+ years)	$75,000+	Often requires leadership roles (e.g., instructional coach).

When comparing to other major Texas cities, Arlington sits in a pragmatic middle ground. Teacher pay in the state's largest districts is often structured similarly, but the real differentiator is cost of living.

City	Median Teacher Salary	1BR Avg Rent	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Arlington, TX	$64,300	$1,384	103.3
Houston, TX	$63,000	$1,450	94.6
Austin, TX	$62,500	$1,750	123.4
Dallas, TX	$63,500	$1,550	108.1

Data compiled from BLS, local district salary schedules, and apartment rental market data.

Insider Tip: The salary data doesn't include potential stipends. Arlington ISD and neighboring districts often offer annual stipends for certifications like Bilingual/ESL ($3,000-$5,000), Special Education ($2,000-$4,000), or for leading campus activities. These can meaningfully boost your take-home pay.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A $64,300 annual salary sounds stable, but taxes and rent take the first and biggest bites. For a single filer in Texas (no state income tax), your estimated take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and health insurance premiums is roughly $3,200 per month.

Your fixed cost: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Arlington costs $1,384/month. This means you’re spending about 43% of your take-home pay on rent alone, which is on the high end of what’s considered affordable (typically 30%). This is the central financial challenge for teachers in Arlington.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a teacher earning $64,300/year:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,200	After taxes, FICA, and average health insurance.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,384	Can be lower in specific neighborhoods.
Utilities	$180	Electricity is a major factor in Texas summers.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Arlington is a car-dependent city.
Groceries	$300
Student Loans	$250	Varies widely; federal teacher loan forgiveness can apply.
Miscellaneous	$300	Professional development, clothing, etc.
Remaining	$386	Emergency fund, savings, and discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a stretch on this salary alone. The median home price in Arlington is roughly $310,000. A 20% down payment is $62,000. With a $248,000 mortgage at current rates, your monthly payment (including taxes, insurance, and HOA) would likely exceed $2,000—well above the comfort zone for a single-teacher household. Homeownership in Arlington is typically feasible for teachers with dual incomes, those with significant savings, or those who have progressed to the senior/expert salary tier.

Insider Tip: Many teachers rent in more affordable areas like Grand Prairie or Hurst (just outside Arlington) and commute. The public transit system (Via) is limited, so a reliable car is non-negotiable.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington ISD is the 10th largest school district in Texas, serving over 56,000 students. It’s your primary employer, but the metro has options.

1. Arlington Independent School District (AISD): The main game in town. With 78 campuses, there's consistent turnover and openings. Hiring trends favor bilingual (Spanish/English) and special education teachers. The district has faced budget constraints in recent years, so hiring can be cyclical but reliable.

2. Mansfield Independent School District: Located just south of Arlington. A rapidly growing district with a strong reputation for teacher support and newer facilities. Often pays slightly more than Arlington ISD. Commute from northern Arlington is 20-30 minutes.

3. Fort Worth Independent School District: The major employer to the west. Larger, more urban, and often has high-need schools. Commute from east Arlington can be 25-45 minutes depending on traffic (I-30/West Freeway).

4. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD: A smaller, affluent district to the north. Highly competitive to get into but offers some of the best benefits and salaries in the region. The commute from Arlington is 30-45 minutes.

5. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA): While not a K-12 employer, UTA is a massive local institution. It hires for its on-campus childcare centers, after-school programs, and education department roles. It's a great option for extra work during the summer or if you're considering higher education.

6. Children's Health (Dallas/Plano) & Texas Health Resources: These major hospital systems have community outreach and family support programs that sometimes hire educators for patient education and community health coordinator roles. It's a non-traditional path but a growing one.

Insider Tip: The DFW metro has over 1,992 elementary teacher positions. The 10-year job growth is 1%, indicating a stable but slow-growing market. The key is not to limit yourself to Arlington ISD. The commute is part of the culture here; being willing to drive 20-30 minutes opens up dozens of schools and districts.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas requires certification through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It's a process that can take 3-6 months if you're starting from scratch.

1. Pathways to Certification:

   • Traditional (University-Based): Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and earn a bachelor's degree.
   • Alternative Certification (AC): For career-changers. You complete a TEA-approved program (online or in-person) while teaching as an intern. Popular providers include Teachers of Tomorrow or iTeachTexas. Cost: $2,000 - $4,000.
   • Out-of-State Reciprocity: If you're already certified, Texas is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. You'll likely need to take some Texas-specific exams (like the TExES PPR). The process is streamlined.

2. Key Exams & Requirements:

   • TExES PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities): The core exam for all teachers.
   • Content Area Exams: Required for the grade/subject you want to teach (e.g., Core Subjects EC-6).
   • Fingerprinting: Required by the state. Cost: ~$40-50.
   • Background Check: Standard for all hires.

3. Timeline & Cost:

   • Fastest Path: Alternative Certification. 6-9 months from start to classroom.
   • Cost Breakdown: Exams: ~$130-$200 per exam. Certification program: $2,000-$4,000. Fingerprinting: ~$50. Total out-of-pocket: $2,200 - $4,500.

Insider Tip: Many districts, including Arlington ISD, offer hiring incentives for high-need areas like Special Education, Bilingual/ESL, and STEM. They may cover some certification costs or offer a signing bonus. Always ask during the interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Arlington's neighborhoods offer a range of lifestyles and price points. Your choice will depend on your budget and commute tolerance.

1. East Arlington (e.g., The Vineyards, Vandenberg): Close to I-20 and the entertainment district (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field). More established, with older, more affordable homes and apartments. Commute to most AISD schools is 10-20 minutes. 1BR Rent: $1,100 - $1,400.
2. North Arlington (e.g., Fisher House, The Oaks): A mix of older ranch homes and newer townhomes. Closer to the border with Grand Prairie and closer to the Dallas entertainment corridor. Commute to Mansfield ISD schools is easy. 1BR Rent: $1,200 - $1,500.
3. South Arlington (e.g., Lincoln Square, Park Row): Rapidly revitalizing area with new apartments, shops, and restaurants. More urban feel. Close to I-20 and Highway 360. Commute to southern schools is a breeze. 1BR Rent: $1,300 - $1,600.
4. Central Arlington (e.g., Downtown, Museum District): The heart of the city, walkable to UTA, museums, and dining. Limited student housing; more apartments and townhomes. Best for those who don't want a long commute and have a modest budget. 1BR Rent: $1,150 - $1,450.
5. The "Commute-In" Options: For a lower rent, consider Grand Prairie (west of Arlington) or Hurst/Euless/Bedford (northeast). You'll save $200-$400/month on rent but add 20-30 minutes to your commute. A popular trade-off for many teachers.

Insider Tip: Drive your potential commute during rush hour (7-8 AM and 4:30-5:30 PM) before committing to a neighborhood. Arlington's highways (I-20, I-30, Highway 360) get congested, and a 10-mile drive can take 25 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth is slow (1%), advancement isn't limited to climbing a salary schedule. Growth in Arlington is often vertical within the teaching role or lateral into other education paths.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, certifications like Bilingual/ESL can add $3,000-$5,000 annually. Special Education teachers are in constant demand and often receive incentives. STEM specialists are also highly sought after.
• Advancement Paths (Within the District):
  • Instructional Coach: Mentor other teachers. Requires a master's degree and 5+ years of experience. Salary bump of $5,000-$8,000.
  • Department Head/Team Lead: Stipend of $1,000-$3,000.
  • Administrator: Principal or Assistant Principal. Requires a master's, administrative certification, and several years of experience. Salary range: $85,000 - $110,000+.
• 10-Year Outlook: The DFW area will continue to grow, keeping the need for teachers steady. However, state funding debates and policy changes (like school choice/voucher programs) could impact job stability and pay raises. The best long-term strategy is to specialize in a high-need area, pursue a master's degree (often reimbursed by districts), and be open to moving between districts to advance your career.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Large district with many schools.	Salary vs. Rent: High rent eats up a large portion of take-home pay.
Affordable for Texas: Cost of living is below Austin and Dallas.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Diverse Student Population: Rich, rewarding teaching experience.	Competitive Market: High-need areas are easier to enter than coveted schools.
Central DFW Location: Easy access to everything the metro offers.	State Politics: Texas education politics can be volatile and stressful.
No State Income Tax: Helps your take-home go further.	Summers: It's extremely hot for 3-4 months, which can feel isolating.

Final Recommendation:

Arlington is a practical and solid choice for Elementary School Teachers, especially those early in their careers who are willing to budget carefully. It's not a place to get rich, but it's a place to build a stable, meaningful career. The key to financial comfort is either living with roommates, finding a lower-cost apartment in a neighborhood like Central Arlington, or willing to commute from Grand Prairie or Hurst.

If you value a large city's amenities (pro sports, concerts, endless dining) without the extreme cost of Austin or Dallas, and you're motivated to specialize, Arlington can be a rewarding home base. For those prioritizing maximum salary and the lowest rent, other Texas cities might be a better fit. But for a balanced, vibrant, and career-ready environment, Arlington is a strong contender.

FAQs

Q: Is the salary enough to live comfortably alone?
A: It's tight. With an average 1BR rent of $1,384, you'll be spending over 40% of your take-home pay on rent. You can live alone, but it requires a strict budget and minimal debt. Many teachers in Arlington opt for roommates or more affordable housing to increase their financial buffer.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new teachers?
A: It's competitive for desirable schools and grade levels, but there are always openings in high-need areas (Special Ed, Bilingual ESL, some middle school subjects). Arlington ISD hires in the spring and summer. Apply early and be willing to work at any campus within the district to get your foot in the door.

Q: What's the community like for teachers?
A: Strong. Arlington is a blue-collar, diverse city with a strong sense of community. You'll find many teachers live locally and are involved in the community. However, the metro is vast, and your social circle may extend to other cities. The large teacher population means there are many professional networks to tap into.

Q: Do I need a master's degree?
A: Not required for initial certification, but it is highly recommended for long-term growth. A master's will bump you up on the salary schedule (often adding $2,000-$4,000/year) and is required for many advancement roles like instructional coach or administrator. Many districts offer tuition reimbursement programs.

Q: What's the biggest hidden cost of living in Arlington?
A: Car ownership. You must have a car. Factor in gas (which fluctuates), insurance (Texas has high rates), maintenance, and the occasional toll road (like Highway 121/DFW Airport area). This can easily add $500-$700/month to your budget, which isn't always obvious when comparing to cities with better transit.