Elementary School Teacher in Juneau city and, AK

The Salary Picture: Where Juneau city and Stands

As someone who’s watched the education job market here for years, I can tell you that Juneau’s salary for Elementary School Teachers is solid for Alaska, though it trails some of the state's more remote, high-cost districts. The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in the Juneau city and area is $63,994 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.77. This is slightly above the national average of $63,670, but the key here is the context of cost of living and the unique Alaskan job market.

The Juneau economy is stable but compact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job data, there are only 159 positions for Elementary School Teachers in the metro area. This isn't a high-turnover market; most teachers who come here stay, which means openings are competitive. The 10-year job growth is a modest 1%, indicating this is not a boomtown for teaching jobs, but rather a stable market with low churn. For a teacher, this means you need to be strategic about when and how you enter the market.

To give you a clearer picture of what you can expect based on your experience, here’s a breakdown. These estimates are based on the Juneau School District salary schedule and local data trends.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$58,000 - $61,000	Typically starts on the first few steps of the district's salary schedule. A Master's degree will place you higher.
Mid-Career (5-10 years)	$64,000 - $72,000	This is where the median $63,994 often falls. You'll be at the top of the standard schedule.
Senior/Expert (10+ years)	$75,000 - $85,000+	Requires additional credits, leadership roles (like Department Chair), or National Board Certification.

How Juneau Compares to Other AK Cities

While Juneau offers a competitive salary, it's important to see how it stacks up against other major Alaskan hubs, where cost of living and salary can vary dramatically.

City	Median Salary (Elementary Teacher)	Key Differentiator
Juneau city and	$63,994	State capital, stable government jobs. High cost of living, but no sales tax.
Anchorage	~$67,500	Largest city, most jobs (~500+). Higher salaries but also higher rents and traffic.
Fairbanks	~$65,000	Home to University of Alaska Fairbanks. Colder winters, slightly lower cost of living.
Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley	~$64,500	Fast-growing area near Anchorage. More suburban/rural feel, newer schools.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the top-line salary. In Alaska, many districts, including Juneau, offer a $5,000 - $15,000 annual stipend for teachers with National Board Certification. This is a game-changer for your long-term earning potential.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A salary of $63,994 sounds good, but Alaska has no state income or sales tax, which is a huge advantage. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a shock.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Elementary School Teacher

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,332	Based on $63,994/year / 12 months.
Taxes (Est.)	~$800	Includes Federal tax, FICA (7.65%), and any local taxes (Juneau has a small sales tax on some goods, but no income tax).
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,532	This is your "in-hand" number for budgeting.
Rent (1-BR Average)	$1,307	This is the city-wide average. (See neighborhoods section for details).
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet)	$250 - $350	High due to long, dark winters. Heating oil or natural gas is common.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Food is expensive in Juneau due to shipping costs. A trip to Costco in Anchorage is a rite of passage.
Car & Gas	$300 - $450	Gas is often $0.50-$1.00/gallon more than the Lower 48. No public transit to most neighborhoods.
Misc. (Health Ins., Retirement, etc.)	$500+	Juneau School District offers a solid retirement plan (TRS), but health insurance premiums can be high.
Remaining Discretionary	$1,275 - $1,575	This is for savings, student loans, entertainment, and travel.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Juneau is around $450,000. With your take-home pay, a mortgage on a $400,000 home would be roughly $2,200 - $2,500/month (including taxes and insurance). This would be ~50-55% of your net income, which is above the recommended 30% rule and would leave very little for other expenses. Verdict: It's a stretch on a single teacher's salary, especially in the first few years. Most teachers here either rent for a long time, buy with a partner's income, or purchase a more modest condo or home outside the core downtown area. Insider Tip: Look into the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) programs, which offer down payment assistance for public employees.

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Where the Jobs Are: Juneau's Major Employers

The job market for teachers in Juneau is dominated by one major public employer, but there are a few niche opportunities.

1. Juneau School District (JSD): This is the primary employer. They operate 11 elementary schools, including:

   • Auke Bay Elementary (family-oriented, near the university and Auke Bay harbor)
   • Riverbend Elementary (in the Mendenhall Valley, a popular residential area)
   • Gustavus Elementary (a tiny, one-room school in a remote community accessible by boat or plane)
   • Housing trends: JSD typically posts openings in April-June for the following school year. They also have mid-year openings, but it's less common. The district is known for its strong union and collaborative culture.

2. University of Alaska Southeast (UAS): While not a direct K-12 employer, UAS has a renowned education department. They host teacher training programs and often have part-time or adjunct positions for experienced teachers looking to move into higher education or curriculum development.

3. Private & Parochial Schools:

   • Mount Edgecumbe High School (a state-run, boarding school for rural Alaskan students, located just outside Juneau on the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area border). They sometimes have elementary-level positions.
   • Juneau Christian School: A small, private K-8 school. Salaries are typically lower than the public district, but it offers a different classroom environment.

4. State of Alaska (Department of Education & Early Development): Located in downtown Juneau, this state agency occasionally hires for policy, curriculum, and specialist roles. These are competitive, non-teaching positions that often require a Master's or higher.

5. Bartlett Regional Hospital & SEARHC: The two main healthcare providers. They don't hire teachers directly, but they often have openings for Child Life Specialists or Educational Coordinators within their pediatric or community health departments—a great alternative path for a teacher with a background in special education or counseling.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The biggest need is for Elementary Generalists with certifications in Special Education (K-12) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Bilingual teachers, especially those with Tlingit, Haida, or Tsimshian language skills, are in extremely high demand and can often negotiate a higher starting salary.

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Getting Licensed in AK

Alaska's teacher certification is straightforward but can be time-consuming if you're coming from out-of-state. The process is managed by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED).

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited institution.
2. Approved Teacher Preparation Program: Your university program must be state-approved. If you're from another state, check the DEED website for reciprocity agreements. Most states have them, but you may need to take a few Alaska-specific courses (e.g., Alaska History, Alaska Constitution).
3. Praxis Exams: You'll need to pass the Praxis Core (basic skills) and the Praxis II (subject area) exams. For elementary education, this is typically the "Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects" test.
4. Background Check: A comprehensive federal and state criminal background check is mandatory.
5. Application & Fees: Apply online through the DEED certification portal. The initial application fee is $200.

Timeline & Costs:

• If you're already certified in another state: It can take 2-4 months to get a provisional or initial Alaska certificate. You'll likely be granted a 2-year provisional certificate while you complete any missing Alaska requirements. Cost: ~$300 (including exam fees and background check).
• If you're a new graduate: It can take 6-9 months, depending on when you finish your program and pass exams. Cost: ~$500-$700 (including all exams, application fees, and background check).
• Insider Tip: Start the application process as soon as you have a job offer or are seriously considering a move. The background check can be the slowest part. Also, DEED offers a "Temporary Authorization" for districts to hire you while your full certification is processing, which is common in Juneau.

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Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Where you live in Juneau dramatically impacts your lifestyle and commute. The city is a long, narrow strip along the coast, flanked by mountains and water. There's no "easy" cross-town drive.

1. The Valley (Mendenhall Valley):

   • Vibe: The suburban heart of Juneau. Most families live here. It's home to Riverbend Elementary and Glacier Valley Elementary.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most schools, but can be 30+ minutes if there's an accident on the only road (Egan Expressway).
   • Rent (1-BR): $1,200 - $1,500. More apartment options and newer construction.
   • Best For: Teachers with families, those who want a more traditional suburban feel.

2. Auke Bay / Douglas:

   • Vibe: A more relaxed, maritime community. Auke Bay is home to UAS and Auke Bay Elementary. Douglas is a historic island community with a tight-knit feel.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown schools. The Douglas bridge can be a choke point.
   • Rent (1-BR): $1,300 - $1,600. Housing is more limited.
   • Best For: Teachers who love the outdoors, water, and a quieter pace. Great for kayaking and hiking access.

3. Downtown / West Juneau:

   • Vibe: Walkable, urban, and close to the state government buildings. Home to Harborview Elementary.
   • Commute: 0-10 minutes to most schools. You can walk or bike in good weather.
   • Rent (1-BR): $1,400 - $1,800. Older buildings, but charming.
   • Best For: Young professionals, those who want to be near restaurants, the library, and the ferry terminal. No car needed for daily errands.

4. Lindenburg / Sunny Point:

   • Vibe: A mix of older, established homes and new developments. Quiet, residential streets.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to schools. Easy access to the Valley and downtown.
   • Rent (1-BR): $1,250 - $1,450. Good value.
   • Best For: Teachers seeking a quiet, established neighborhood without the Valley price tag.

Insider Tip: If you don't have a car, Downtown/West Juneau is your only real option. Everywhere else requires a vehicle. Also, parking at schools in the Valley can be a nightmare—factor that into your commute.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Juneau is a great place to build a long-term career if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• National Board Certification: As mentioned, this is the single biggest salary booster. The Juneau School District provides stipends and support for teachers pursuing it.
• Special Education & ESL: These are high-need areas. Teachers with these endorsements can often move into specialist or resource teacher roles, which come with additional pay and leadership opportunities.
• Curriculum & Instruction: After 5-10 years, you can move into district-level roles as a Curriculum Coordinator or Instructional Coach. These are competitive but offer a path out of the classroom without leaving education.
• Administration: A Master's in Educational Leadership is the gateway to becoming a Principal or Assistant Principal. Juneau has a stable administration, so openings are rare but coveted.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 1% job growth, you're not looking at a massive expansion of positions. However, the stability is a major plus. The key to advancement in Juneau is tenure and specialization. The teachers who thrive are those who invest in the community, get involved in school activities, and earn advanced credentials. Retirements will create openings, but they will be filled by a mix of internal transfers and highly qualified external candidates.

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The Verdict: Is Juneau City and Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Unionized Job Market with excellent benefits and retirement.	Extremely High Cost of Living, especially for housing and groceries.
Unbeatable Access to Nature: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and skiing are minutes away.	Limited Housing Stock: Finding an affordable apartment can be a challenge.
No State Income or Sales Tax: Your paycheck goes further from a tax perspective.	Isolation & High Travel Costs: Getting to the Lower 48 is expensive and time-consuming.
Strong Community & Small-Town Feel: You'll know your students' families and colleagues well.	Job Growth is Stagnant (1%): You need to be patient and strategic about openings.
Unique Cultural Experience: Deep indigenous heritage and a progressive, state-capital vibe.	Weather & Darkness: Long, dark winters can be difficult for those prone to seasonal affective disorder.

Final Recommendation:
Juneau is an excellent choice for an Elementary School Teacher who is outdoorsy, values community over urban amenities, and has a solid financial plan (or a partner's income). It's not a place to get rich, but it's a place to build a meaningful, stable career surrounded by breathtaking beauty. If you're a new teacher, be prepared to rent for several years. If you're mid-career and can secure a position, you'll find a welcoming, professional environment. Come for the job, stay for the lifestyle—but only if you've done the math.

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FAQs

1. Can I survive on a teacher's salary in Juneau without a roommate?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. Your net take-home will be around $4,500/month. With rent at $1,300, utilities, and high food costs, you'll have about $1,500 left for everything else. It's doable, but you won't be saving a lot, and travel will be limited. A roommate can significantly ease the financial pressure and allow for more savings.

2. Is it easy to get a teaching job in Juneau if I'm not from Alaska?
It's competitive, but very possible, especially if you have a high-need endorsement (Special Ed, ESL). The key is timing. Apply in the spring (April-June) for the next school year. Be flexible about which elementary school you're placed at. The district is used to hiring from the Lower 48 and has a process to help with relocation, though financial assistance is rare.

3. What's the biggest surprise for new teachers moving to Juneau?
Two things: 1) The cost and logistics of travel. A trip home for the holidays can easily cost $1,500+. 2) The darkness in winter. From November to January, it gets dark by 3:30 PM. Investing in a good light therapy lamp is a common and necessary tip from locals.

4. Do I need a car in Juneau?
Absolutely, yes. Unless you live and work in the tiny downtown core, a