Elementary School Teacher in Jamestown, ND

As a career analyst who has spent considerable time in the Red River Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how Jamestown, North Dakota, operates. It’s a city built on agriculture, education, and resilience. For an elementary school teacher, this isn’t a place of glitz, but of stability, community, and a cost of living that makes a middle-class salary feel like a windfall. If you’re looking for a high-intensity urban environment, look elsewhere. If you want to plant roots where your paycheck stretches and your students know you by name, Jamestown deserves a serious look.

This guide is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, and local market observations. Let’s break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Jamestown Stands

First, the raw numbers. Teaching salaries in North Dakota are regionally adjusted, and Jamestown sits in a comfortable middle tier. The Median Salary for Elementary School Teachers in the Jamestown area is $62,332/year, translating to an Hourly Rate of $29.97/hour. This is slightly below the National Average of $63,670/year, but the gap is negligible when you factor in the local economy.

The 10-Year Job Growth is projected at 1%, which is typical for established rural school districts. Stability is the keyword here; there aren’t massive waves of new hires, but turnover is low due to the tight-knit community. There are approximately 78 teaching positions in the metro area, meaning competition is moderate but manageable for licensed candidates.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries are highly dependent on years of experience and education credits. Jamestown Public Schools (ISD 1) uses a standard step schedule.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Bachelor's degree, starting on the lowest step.
Mid-Career (5-10 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	Typical range for most teachers; includes Master's pay bump.
Senior/Expert (15+ years)	$70,000 - $78,000	Top of the schedule; often involves additional duties or leadership roles.

Comparison to Other ND Cities

How does Jamestown stack up against its peers? While Bismarck and Fargo offer higher nominal salaries, the cost of living eats into that advantage.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Advantage
Jamestown	$62,332	93.0	High
Fargo	$64,500	95.5	Moderate
Bismarck	$63,800	94.5	Moderate
Minot	$62,100	96.0	Moderate

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index of 93.0 is your secret weapon. A 3% lower index means your $62,332 salary in Jamestown has the purchasing power of roughly $64,200 in a national-average city. This is why the slightly lower salary isn't a dealbreaker.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. We’ll use the Median Salary of $62,332.

Assumptions: Single filer, using standard deduction (2023 tax rates), no dependents, ND state income tax (1.1%-2.9% bracket), FICA (7.65%), and health insurance premium (est. $250/month).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,194.33
• Estimated Monthly Taxes & Deductions: ~$1,100 - $1,200 (approx. 21-23% effective rate)
• Est. Net Take-Home Pay: $3,994 - $4,094/month

Now, factor in housing. The Average 1BR Rent is $837/month. This is a massive advantage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Pay: ~$4,000)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$837	Can be lower in some neighborhoods.
Utilities	$150	Includes heat (critical in winter), electric, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	Competitive pricing at local stores.
Health Insurance	$250	Often a district-provided option.
Entertainment/Dining	$200	Local cafes, movie theater, community events.
Retirement/ Savings	$300	403(b) or 457(b) is highly recommended.
Miscellaneous	$200	Clothing, supplies, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,587
Remaining/Savings	$1,413	Strong capacity for savings or debt payoff.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With $1,400+ in monthly surplus, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Jamestown is approximately $220,000-$250,000. A 20% down payment ($44,000-$50,000) could be saved in 3-4 years with disciplined budgeting. Mortgage payments on a $200,000 loan (at current rates) would be roughly $1,200-$1,400/month—still manageable with your take-home pay.

Where the Jobs Are: Jamestown's Major Employers

While Jamestown has a small metro population of 15,774, its employment base is diverse. Teachers often have spouses or partners working in these sectors, making dual-income households even more comfortable.

1. Jamestown Public School District (ISD 1): The primary employer. It includes Jamestown High School, Jamestown Middle School, and several elementary schools like Roosevelt Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Washington Elementary. Hiring is steady, with openings typically posted in spring for the next academic year.
2. Stutsman County: County government offices, including the courthouse and social services, employ a significant number. A spouse in county government offers great stability.
3. Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC): A major healthcare hub for the region. While not a school, it’s a key community pillar and a common employer for families.
4. North Dakota State University (NDSU) at Jamestown: The local campus provides higher education and administrative jobs. It’s a small but important employer.
5. BNI (formerly Basin Electric): A large rural electric cooperative with a major service center in Jamestown. Offers skilled trade and administrative positions.
6. Local Agriculture & Manufacturing: Companies like John Deere (through service centers) and various grain elevators/agricultural co-ops provide essential jobs. The economy is deeply tied to farming cycles.
7. City of Jamestown: Parks & Rec, public works, and administrative roles. They often look for individuals with community-focused backgrounds, like educators.

Hiring Trends: The district follows a predictable cycle. The best time to apply is late winter to early spring (February-April) for the following fall. Because the 10-Year Job Growth is 1%, you’re not competing against a booming market, but against a stable one. Building a network with local teachers at professional development events is invaluable.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota’s licensing is managed by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB). It’s a straightforward but mandatory process.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Approved Teacher Preparation Program (must include student teaching).
• Passing Scores on the Praxis Core and Praxis II exams (subject-specific).
• Fingerprinting for background check.

Process & Timeline:

1. Application: Submit online via the ESPB portal. You’ll need official transcripts, proof of program completion, and test scores.
2. Costs: Application fee is $125. Praxis exams cost approximately $130-$200 each. Fingerprinting can be done locally for about $50. Total initial cost: $300-$500.
3. Timeline: If you have all documents in order, processing can take 4-8 weeks. It’s advisable to start the process at least 3 months before a targeted start date.

Insider Tip: North Dakota offers reciprocity with many states, but you may still need to take the Praxis II if your home state’s exam isn’t equivalent. Contact the ESPB directly for a transcript review.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Jamestown’s neighborhoods are compact, and commutes are short (typically under 10 minutes). Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Notes
Downtown	Walkable, historic, lots of cafes and the arts center. Close to the high school.	$750 - $950	Older buildings, some modern lofts. Best for those who want to be in the heart of the community.
East Hill	Residential, quiet, established homes. Close to Washington Elementary.	$800 - $1,000	Family-friendly, tree-lined streets. Very short commute to most schools.
Northwest	Newer developments, more modern apartments and townhomes.	$850 - $1,100	Slightly longer drive (10-15 min) but more amenities.
Southside	Mix of older and newer homes. Close to the medical center and parks.	$700 - $900	Affordable, with easy access to the University and shopping.

Commute Note: There is no traffic in Jamestown. Your "commute" is measured in minutes, not miles. Living in any of these neighborhoods means you’re never far from a grocery store, a coffee shop, or your school.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a stable district like Jamestown, career growth is often about specialization and leadership, not just climbing a corporate ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: Holding a Master’s degree typically adds $2,000-$4,000 to your annual salary. Additional endorsements (Special Education, ESL, Reading Specialist) can also increase your pay and make you more versatile. The district often funds these endorsements through professional development funds.
• Advancement Paths: The clear path is from classroom teacher to:
  1. Instructional Coach (mentor to other teachers).
  2. Department Head/Middle School Team Lead.
  3. Administrator-in-Training (requires a Master’s in Educational Leadership).
• 10-Year Outlook: With 1% growth, don’t expect a flood of new positions. However, retirements are predictable. The aging teacher population in ND means openings will occur. The key is to be a recognized, high-quality teacher within the community. Your reputation matters immensely here.

Insider Tip: Get involved in extracurriculars (coaching, clubs) early. In small districts, leadership often grows from visible involvement. It’s not just a resume booster; it’s how you integrate into the community fabric.

The Verdict: Is Jamestown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living – Your salary goes far.	Isolation – 1.5 hours to Fargo, 2 hours to Bismarck. Limited big-city amenities.
Low Competition, High Stability – Jobs are secure, community-focused.	Winters are Harsh – Long, cold, and snowy seasons can be challenging.
Tight-Knit Community – You become a local figure, known by families.	Limited Diversity – The population is predominantly White.
Short Commutes & No Traffic – More time for life outside work.	Slower Pace – If you crave constant change and new openings, this isn’t it.

Final Recommendation: Jamestown is an excellent choice for teachers who value financial stability, community integration, and a slower pace of life. It’s ideal for those planning to buy a home, start a family, or simply live comfortably on a single teacher’s salary. If you require the energy of a major metro area or have zero tolerance for cold weather, you may find it challenging. For the right person, it’s a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for teachers in Jamestown?
A: It’s moderately competitive. With only 78 jobs and 1% growth, you need to be a strong candidate with a valid North Dakota license. However, the turnover isn’t high, so openings are most common from retirements or family relocations.

Q: What’s the winter like, and how do teachers cope?
A: Winters are long (Nov-Mar) with frequent sub-zero temperatures and snow. The key is proper gear: insulated boots, a heavy coat, and a reliable vehicle with winter tires. Most schools are well-heated, and the community is adapted to the climate.

Q: Is there a teacher shortage in North Dakota?
A: ND has faced shortages in specific subjects (special education, STEM) and rural areas, but Jamestown is less affected than the most remote districts. Having an in-demand specialization (like Special Ed) significantly increases your hireability.

Q: Can I live in Jamestown without a car?
A: It’s extremely difficult. While the downtown area is walkable, most schools, shopping, and services require a car. Public transit is very limited. A car is a necessity.

Q: How do I find housing before moving?
A: Use local real estate sites like Zillow or Rent.com, but also check the Jamestown Sun (local newspaper) classifieds and Facebook Marketplace. Many local rentals are posted there first. Consider a short-term Airbnb or hotel for your first month to search in person.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, Cost of Living Index data, Jamestown Public School District salary schedule, North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).