Elementary School Teacher in Davie, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

If you're considering a move to Davie, Florida, as an elementary school teacher, the first thing to understand is how your paycheck will stack up against both the local cost of living and the national average. The numbers tell a clear story: Davie offers a solid salary, but it’s a high-cost area, so you need to run the numbers carefully.

The median salary for an elementary school teacher in the Davie metro area is $65,923/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $31.69/hour. Compared to the national average of $63,670/year, Davie pays slightly better—about 3.5% more. However, this modest premium comes with a significant catch: the cost of living here is 11.8% higher than the U.S. average (Cost of Living Index: 111.8). We'll break down exactly what this means for your monthly budget later.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the South Florida market. Note that these are estimates based on local school district pay scales and regional data; exact figures can vary by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) union contracts.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Considerations
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	Starts with a Bachelor’s. Most new teachers begin here. BCPS offers a tuition reimbursement program for certain high-need subjects.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$65,923 (Median)	At this stage, you're at the median. Requires a Master’s degree or National Board Certification for higher placement on the salary schedule.
Senior (10-15 years)	$72,000 - $78,000	Typically requires a Master’s + 30 credits or a Doctorate. Leadership roles (e.g., Department Head) begin here.
Expert (15+ years)	$80,000+	Top of the BCPS salary schedule. Often held by master teachers, instructional coaches, or those with National Board Certification.

When compared to other major Florida cities, Davie is competitive. Here’s a quick snapshot:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Reality
Davie, FL	$65,923	111.8	Higher salary, but high rent and living costs.
Tampa, FL	$64,500	108.2	Slightly lower salary, lower COL.
Orlando, FL	$62,800	105.5	Lower salary, more affordable.
Jacksonville, FL	$61,200	101.0	Lowest salary, most affordable of the major metros.
National Average	$63,670	100.0	Baseline for comparison.

Insider Tip: South Florida school districts, including BCPS, often pay more than inland Florida districts. However, the Broward Teachers Union (BTU) contract is the ultimate source of truth for salary schedules. Always check the current BTU agreement for the most precise placement.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $65,923/year sounds comfortable, but after taxes and South Florida’s high rent, your monthly budget is the real metric.

Assumptions for a Single Filer (No Dependents):

• Gross Annual Salary: $65,923
• Estimated Federal Tax (Single, Standard Deduction): ~$7,500
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$5,043
• Florida State Tax: $0 (No state income tax)
• Estimated Net Take-Home Pay (Annual): ~$53,380
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,448

Now, let's factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Davie costs $1,621/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Income (After Tax)	$4,448
Rent (1BR Avg)	($1,621)	36% of take-home pay. Above the ideal 30% threshold.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	($250)	High A/C costs in summer.
Groceries	($400)
Transportation (Car Insurance/Gas)	($350)	South Florida car insurance is among the highest in the U.S.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	($200)	Assumes employer-sponsored plan.
Misc./Savings/Debt	$1,627
Remaining for Savings/Debt/Clothing	$1,627

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Davie is approximately $450,000 (Zillow, 2023). With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would carry a monthly payment of around $2,288 (principal & interest, plus ~$1,000 for taxes/insurance). That's $3,288/month—over 70% of your take-home pay. This is not feasible on a single teacher's salary.

Verdict: On a single income of $65,923, owning a home in Davie as a new teacher is extremely challenging without a significant partner's income or a substantial down payment. Renting is the default, and even that is tight. Many teachers in the area choose to live in neighboring, slightly more affordable towns like Coral Springs, Parkland, or even parts of Miami-Dade (like Doral) or Palm Beach County (like Wellington) to manage costs, accepting a longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie is primarily a bedroom community, but its job market for teachers is robust and centered on education, healthcare, and municipal services. The vast majority of elementary teaching jobs are with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), the sixth-largest school district in the U.S.

Here are the key local employers and hiring context:

1. Broward County Public Schools (BCPS): This is your primary employer. BCPS oversees all public schools in Davie, including:

   • Atlantic Technical College and Technical High School: A magnet school, but BCPS is the overarching employer.
   • Davie Elementary School
   • Manatee Bay Elementary School
   • Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School
   • Nova Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School
   • Panther Run Elementary School
   • Hire Trend: BCPS consistently hires annually due to retirements, enrollment growth, and teacher turnover. High-need areas (ESOL, Special Education, STEM) have the most openings. The hiring season peaks from January to June for the following school year.

2. Nova Southeastern University (NSU): Located in Davie, NSU is a major employer. While most K-12 jobs are with BCPS, NSU hires for their F. Wayne Mirrison College of Education, lab schools (like the NSU University School), and graduate-level education programs. They also employ adjunct faculty and education researchers.

3. Broward Health: A major healthcare system with a hospital in nearby Fort Lauderdale (Broward Health Medical Center) and clinics throughout the county. While they don't hire elementary teachers directly, they are a massive employer for spouses/partners, making the area more viable for dual-income households.

4. City of Davie: The municipal government employs various professionals. While they don't run schools, they hire recreation coordinators, youth program leaders, and administrative staff. These can be good side jobs or alternative career paths that still work with children.

5. South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union: A major financial institution in the region with a strong focus on the education community. They employ teachers and other professionals for branch operations, Loans, and HR. A good resource for financial planning once you're here.

6. Private/Charter Schools: Besides BCPS, there are private and charter options like:

   • American Heritage Schools (Patriot Campus): A prestigious private school just outside Davie in Plantation.
   • Charter Schools: Several charter schools operate in the broader Broward area, offering alternative employment. They often have different pay scales and may be less unionized.

Insider Tip: The BCPS online application system (AppliTrack) is notoriously competitive. To stand out, ensure your application is submitted the moment the school year's openings are posted. Have all your materials (transcripts, test scores, proof of certification) scanned and ready to upload. A personal connection through a current BCPS teacher can also help navigate the system.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida's certification process is straightforward but has specific steps and costs. You cannot teach without a valid Florida Professional Educator's Certificate.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program: This can be a Bachelor's degree in education from an accredited university or an alternative certification program (like "Teacher Ready" or "Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) Preparation Program").
2. Pass the Required Examinations:
   • General Knowledge Test (GKT): Required for all applicants. Includes subtests in English, Math, Social Science, and Science.
   • Subject Area Examination (SAE): For your specific grade level (K-6). This is a comprehensive test on elementary education content.
   • Professional Education Test (PE): Covers pedagogy and professional practices.
   • Cost: Each FTCE exam costs $130 (as of 2023). Most teachers will take 2-3 exams, so budget $260 - $390.
3. Apply for Certification: Submit an application to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) through your online account. The application fee is $150 for an initial professional certificate.
4. Background Check: All Florida teachers must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. This costs approximately $100.
5. Total Estimated Upfront Cost: $460 - $590 for exams, application, and fingerprinting (not including the cost of a preparation program).

Timeline:

• If you are already a certified teacher in another state (a "reciprocity" applicant), the process can be faster (2-4 months). You will still need to pass the Florida-specific exam (GKT or SAE) unless you have a very similar out-of-state license.
• If you are starting from scratch, it typically takes 1-2 years to complete a teacher prep program and pass all exams.
• Insider Tip: Florida has a "Statement of Eligibility" (SOE) you can apply for before you have a job. This allows you to start applying for positions while you complete any remaining steps. Many districts, including BCPS, will hire you on an SOE, provided you commit to finishing the certification within a set timeframe (usually one school year).

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Davie is a sprawling town with distinct neighborhoods. Proximity to the Turnpike, I-595, and I-75 is key for commuting, as traffic is heavy.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Davie (Central)	The classic suburban feel. Close to NSU, Davie Road, and the Turnpike. Mix of older ranch homes and newer townhomes.	$1,550 - $1,700	Those who want to be in the heart of Davie, with a 10-15 minute commute to most BCPS schools.
Western Ranches	More rural, larger lots, equestrian properties. Very quiet, but you're driving to everything. Can be a longer commute.	$1,800+ (for 1BR is rare; more likely 2BR houses)	Teachers who want space, don't mind a commute, and love a quieter, nature-focused lifestyle.
Coconut Creek (Border)	Technically a separate city, but borders Davie to the east. More densely populated, with many condo complexes.	$1,500 - $1,650	Offers a slightly more urban feel with good access to I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. Easy commute to Broward schools.
Plantation (Border)	Adjacent to Davie, with a more established, tree-lined feel. Higher end. Home to American Heritage School.	$1,650 - $1,900	A great option if you want to be closer to the Fort Lauderdale job market or have a spouse working in a different industry.
Southwest Ranches (Adjacent)	Very affluent, large estates, and a "country" feel. Not many rentals, but worth mentioning for lifestyle.	$2,200+ (for 2BR)	Not a typical teacher rental area, but illustrates the wealth gap in the region.

Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, use the "school zone" map on the BCPS website. While most teachers don't need to live in a specific zone to work there, it helps you plan your commute. Traffic on I-595 during school drop-off/pick-up hours (7:30-8:30 AM and 2:30-3:30 PM) can be brutal; living closer to your school is a huge quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A teaching career in Davie and Broward County can be stable, but advancement often requires specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: The most direct way to increase your base salary is through National Board Certification. In Florida, this comes with a significant annual stipend (often $5,000 - $7,500), effectively raising your salary to the $70,000 - $75,000+ range. Additionally, certifications in ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Reading Endorsements are in high demand and can lead to stipends or priority hiring.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Instructional Coach/Resource Teacher: Move out of the classroom to support other teachers. Requires a Master's degree and strong leadership skills.
  2. Department Head/Team Lead: While less common in elementary, some schools have lead teachers or academic coaches for specific grade levels.
  3. Administration: Becoming a Principal or Assistant Principal requires a Master's degree, typically in Educational Leadership, and passing the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE). The pay jumps significantly (often $95,000 - $120,000+), but it's a major career transition away from teaching children directly.
  4. Specialized Roles: Becoming a counselor, media specialist, or exceptional student education (ESE) specialist often requires additional certification but can offer different career satisfaction and pay scales.
• 10-Year Outlook with 1% Growth: The provided data shows a 1% job growth rate for the metro area over 10 years. This is very slow growth, indicating that while jobs are available (with 539 current openings), the market is not expanding rapidly. This means competition for desirable schools and positions will remain steady. Stability is high—once you're in BCPS, you're likely set for a career—but lateral moves or promotions will require proactive effort. The growth is driven by teacher retirements (an aging workforce in Florida) and modest enrollment changes, not by new school construction.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

This isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on your financial situation, career goals, and lifestyle preferences.

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Salary ($65,923 vs. $63,670)	High Cost of Living (111.8 index, $1,621 rent)
Strong Job Market with BCPS (539 jobs in metro)	Homeownership is Nearly Impossible on a single teacher's salary
No State Income Tax	The 1% Job Growth signals a highly competitive, static market
Vibrant, Diverse Community with access to beaches and culture	Traffic & Commutes can be long and stressful
Professional Growth through National Board Certification	Summer Heat & Humidity (and high A/C bills)

Final Recommendation:
Davie is a viable and attractive option for an elementary school teacher if you are part of a dual-income household or have significant savings. The salary is good, but the cost of living is a serious hurdle for a single person. For a young teacher with a partner who also works, it's an excellent place to build a career. If you're a single teacher looking to live alone, rent a modest apartment, and enjoy South Florida amenities, it's tight but possible—you'll need to budget meticulously and likely won't be saving for a house. For those prioritizing homeownership or a lower-stress financial life, looking at less expensive Florida cities (Tampa, Orlando) or commuting from a more affordable neighboring town is the smarter move.

FAQs

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