Elementary School Teacher in Jackson, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Jackson, Wyoming, is a unique beast. It’s not a typical small town; it’s a global tourism hub with an economy that runs on the whims of the seasons. For an elementary school teacher, this creates a specific financial landscape. The median salary here sits at $63,096/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.33. This is slightly below the national average of $63,670/year, but the real story is in the cost of living and the local job market.

To understand where you fit, let’s break it down by experience. The following table uses the median as the baseline for "Mid-Career" and extrapolates typical salary progressions for the region.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Estimate	Hourly Rate Estimate	Notes
Entry-Level	$48,000 - $55,000	$23 - $26.44	Typically a first-year teacher with a Bachelor's. Often starts at the lower end of the district's salary schedule.
Mid-Career	$63,096 (Median)	$30.33	The core of the profession in Jackson. Assumes a Master's degree and 5-10 years of experience.
Senior/Expert	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87	Reserved for those with National Board Certification, specialized roles (e.g., Special Education lead), or 15+ years in the district.

When you compare this to other Wyoming cities, Jackson’s salary is competitive, but the context matters. In Casper or Cheyenne, the median salary might be similar, but the cost of living is significantly lower. In Jackson, you’re paying a premium for the location. The 10-year job growth is only 1%, according to state projections. This isn't a place with burgeoning new schools; it's a stable, tight-knit market where openings are rare and highly sought after. There are only about 53 teaching jobs in the entire metro area at any given time, making the job market exceptionally competitive.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On a $63,096 salary, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes in Wyoming (which has no state income tax) will be approximately $48,000-$50,000 annually, or about $4,000-$4,167 per month.

Jackson’s rent is the biggest variable. The average 1-bedroom rent is $921/month, but this is a city-wide average. In the core of Jackson proper, you’ll pay more. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single teacher earning the median salary:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,258
• Estimated Take-Home: $4,100
• Rent (1BR, central): $1,200 - $1,400
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water): $150 - $250
• Groceries: $300 - $400 (Jackson's grocery prices are 15-20% above national average)
• Car Payment/Insurance: $300 - $500 (Essential; public transit is limited)
• Gas: $150 - $250 (Commuting from Teton County is common)
• Health Insurance (District Plan): $100 - $300
• Retirement (WY Retirement System): 14.5% of salary (pre-tax deduction)
• Miscellaneous/Discretionary: $500 - $700
• Remaining/Savings: $0 - $350

This budget is tight. The Cost of Living Index is 97.0 (US avg = 100), which seems close, but it’s misleading for housing. The index is pulled down by cheaper goods and services in rural areas; housing and entertainment skew high.

Can they afford to buy a home? The median single-family home price in Teton County is well over $1 million. For a teacher earning $63,096, a standard mortgage is out of reach. Local programs like the Teton County Housing Authority offer workforce housing rentals (subsidized) and some purchase opportunities, but waitlists are long (often 5+ years). Buying a home on this salary in Jackson is nearly impossible without a dual-income household or significant family assistance.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The teaching market is dominated by the public school district, but there are other avenues. Hiring trends are stable, with turnover often due to the high cost of living rather than lack of positions.

1. Teton County School District #1 (Jackson): The primary employer. This district covers the town of Jackson and the surrounding areas. They have multiple elementary schools (e.g., Jackson Elementary, Colter Elementary). They are the most consistent hirer, but openings are posted in late spring for the following year.
2. Teton County School District #6 (Kelly/Teton Pines): Covers the western side of the valley (Aspen Springs, Kelly). A smaller district with even fewer openings. Highly competitive.
3. St. John’s Lutheran School: A private, faith-based elementary school in Jackson. Offers an alternative to the public system. Salaries are generally lower than public, but the community is tight-knit.
4. Jackson Hole Community School: A private, college-preparatory school (K-12). While they have an elementary division, openings are rare and often require advanced degrees or specific pedagogical training.
5. Jackson Hole Children’s Museum: While not a traditional school, they hire educators for programs. This can be a foot in the door or a side gig for a teacher.
6. Teton Literacy Center: Offers after-school and adult literacy programs. A great place for a teacher to supplement income or work in a different educational setting.
7. Federal & State Agencies: The National Park Service (Grand Teton) and Bridger-Teton National Forest occasionally post education or outreach specialist roles, though these are not classroom teaching positions.

Insider Tip: The best way to hear about jobs here is through the grapevine. Join local Facebook groups like "Jackson Hole Education Professionals" and attend school board meetings. The district often posts internally first.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a straightforward but strict licensing process. You cannot teach without a valid Wyoming teaching certificate.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution.
2. Approved Teacher Preparation Program: Your program must be state-approved. If you’re from out-of-state, you’ll need to have your transcripts evaluated.
3. Praxis Exams: You must pass the relevant Praxis II content exams for your grade level/endorsement (e.g., Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects).
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is mandatory.

Costs (Approximate):

• Application Fee: $50
• Background Check: $38 (through IdentoGO)
• Praxis Exams: ~$130 per exam (you may need 2-3)
• Total: $350 - $500 to get licensed.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already a licensed teacher in another state: Wyoming has reciprocity with most states. You can apply for an Initial Out-of-State Certificate. You must still pass the Wyoming-specific Praxis exams and the background check. Timeline: 2-4 months to process.
• If you're a new graduate: Start the process in your final semester. Submit your application as soon as you have your degree and transcripts. Timeline: 3-6 months from application to receiving your certificate.

Pro Insight: The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) website is your bible. Call them directly with questions; they are surprisingly helpful. Start the process early—don’t wait until you see a job posting.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Where you live dictates your commute and lifestyle. Jackson is small, but Teton County is vast.

1. Jackson Town Center (Walkable Core):

   • Vibe: You can walk to work, coffee shops, and the town square. It’s vibrant but noisy, especially in summer.
   • Commute: None. Walk or bike.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600+ for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Young, single teachers who value an active social life and don’t own a car.

2. East Jackson (Town of Jackson):

   • Vibe: Established residential neighborhoods with single-family homes and apartments. Quieter than the core.
   • Commute: 5-10 minute drive to schools in town. Limited bus service.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Most teachers. Offers a balance of accessibility and quiet.

3. Teton Pines / Wilson (West of Town):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented. More space, newer homes. This is where many teachers and professionals with families live.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Jackson schools. Traffic can be bad during peak tourist season.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800 for a 1BR/Condo. Harder to find rentals.
   • Best For: Those with a car, seeking more space and a community feel.

4. South Park / Rafter J (South of Town):

   • Vibe: Rural, semi-rural living with larger properties. A mix of permanent residents and vacation homes.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to town. Essential to have a reliable vehicle, especially in winter.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400 for a 1BR or small cabin.
   • Best For: Teachers who love the outdoors, don’t mind driving, and want a quieter, more rustic home life.

5. Workforce Housing (Various Locations):

   • Vibe: Subsidized apartments or homes for qualified workers. Often in good locations but with income caps and long waitlists.
   • Commute: Varies.
   • Rent Estimate: $500 - $900 (with income restrictions).
   • Best For: Anyone eligible. Apply the day you decide you might move here.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With only 1% job growth, vertical movement within the district is slow. However, strategic specialization can increase your earning potential and job security.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding a Special Education (SPED) endorsement or becoming a reading specialist can make you highly valuable. Districts often offer stipends for hard-to-fill positions. An expert SPED teacher can push their salary toward the $75,000 - $85,000 range.
• National Board Certification: This is the gold standard. It’s a rigorous process, but Wyoming recognizes it and provides a significant salary stipend (often $5,000 - $7,000 annually) and moves you up the salary schedule faster.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Instructional Coach: Move out of the classroom to support other teachers. Requires a Master’s and proven expertise.
  • Administrative Roles (AP/Principal): Requires a Master’s in Educational Leadership and additional certifications. Very few openings in the valley.
  • Curriculum Development: Work with the district or Teton Literacy Center on creating local curriculum (e.g., place-based learning tied to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem).
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable, not growing. The key will be retention. The district will value experienced teachers who understand the unique socio-economic challenges of Jackson’s student population (which includes a high number of students from low-income families and immigrant communities). Building a career here means becoming an institution—someone who knows the community, the families, and the system deeply.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Unparalleled Natural Beauty: Your backyard is Grand Teton National Park. Outdoor recreation is world-class and accessible.	Extremely High Cost of Living: Housing is the primary crisis. Your salary does not go far.
Tight-Knit Community: Once you're in, you're family. Schools are the heart of the community.	Competitive & Limited Job Market: 53 jobs, 1% growth. You must be persistent and patient.
Meaningful Work: Teaching in a diverse, economically challenged community is incredibly impactful.	Tourist-Driven Economy: Traffic, crowds, and seasonal business closures can be draining.
No State Income Tax: Keeps your take-home pay slightly higher.	Isolation & Long Winters: You’re far from major cities (3-4 hours to Salt Lake City). Winters are long and dark.
Unique Curriculum Opportunities: Place-based education is a core part of the local curriculum.	Workforce Housing is a Lifeline, Not a Guarantee: Don’t count on it. Have a backup housing plan.

Final Recommendation: Jackson, WY, is not a place you choose for financial gain. You choose it for a lifestyle and a sense of place. It’s ideal for a teacher who is passionate, resilient, and values community and nature over material wealth. If you can secure housing (even a shared rental), navigate the competitive job market, and embrace the challenges, it can be one of the most rewarding teaching experiences of your life. For everyone else, the financial strain may outweigh the benefits.

FAQs

Q: Is there a teacher shortage in Jackson?
A: There's a recruitment challenge, not a shortage. The pool of applicants who can afford to live in Jackson is small. For every opening, there are many qualified applicants, but few who have secured housing. The district struggles to attract and, more importantly, retain teachers due to cost of living.

Q: Can I commute from Idaho?
A: Technically yes, but it’s a brutal 1.5-hour drive each way through Teton Pass. The pass is closed for weeks in winter due to avalanche control, making it an unreliable commute. Most teachers live within Teton County.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for teachers in Jackson?
A: 1) Housing insecurity. 2) Student needs: A significant portion of students experience poverty, homelessness, and trauma. 3) Turnover: High staff turnover can disrupt school culture. You need to be adaptable.

Q: How do I get my foot in the door?
A: Apply for substitute teaching immediately. It’s the best way to get known in the district, understand the school culture, and be first in line for an opening. The district is always looking for reliable subs.

Q: What’s the dating and social life like for a single teacher?
A: The social scene is active but small. It’s a mix of outdoor enthusiasts, service industry workers, and professionals. As a teacher, you’ll be respected. Social groups often form around activities (skiing, climbing, biking). Be prepared for a smaller dating pool than in a major city.