Elementary School Teacher in Metairie CDP, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Metairie CDP Stands

As a local who’s watched the education landscape shift here for two decades, I can tell you straight: Metairie isn't where you chase the highest teacher salaries in the state, but it offers a stable, middle-of-the-road income that goes surprisingly far thanks to Louisiana's low cost of living. The median salary for Elementary School Teachers here is $61,970/year, which breaks down to a respectable $29.79/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $63,670/year, but the gap closes when you factor in our affordability.

To put it in perspective, we’re not Baton Rouge or New Orleans, where salaries are higher but the cost of living eats into them. In Metairie, you’re trading a higher ceiling for a more stable, predictable environment. The 10-year job growth is only 1%, which tells you this isn’t a booming market—it’s a mature one. You’re looking at 682 jobs in the metro area, so competition is steady but not cutthroat. For a teacher, that means you’re more likely to find a position if you’re persistent, but you won’t see explosive hiring spikes.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience, based on Jefferson Parish Public Schools and local charter data:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	$23.08 - $26.44
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $67,000	$27.88 - $32.21
Senior (8-15 years)	$66,000 - $75,000	$31.73 - $36.06
Expert (15+ years)	$72,000 - $82,000	$34.62 - $39.42

Compared to other Louisiana cities, Metairie sits in a comfortable middle. In New Orleans, the median salary is higher at around $66,000, but the cost of living is 15% above the national average. In Baton Rouge, you might see $64,000, but the commute can be brutal. Lafayette offers similar pay to Metairie but with a smaller job market. The key here is stability: Jefferson Parish is one of the largest school districts in the state, and while growth is slow, turnover is low. Insider tip: If you’re coming from a higher-cost city, you’ll feel the financial relief immediately, but if you’re used to bigger raises, the 1% growth might frustrate you.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. At the median salary of $61,970/year, your monthly take-home after taxes (federal, state, Social Security, Medicare) is roughly $3,850/month. Louisiana state income tax is progressive, ranging from 2% to 6%, but with standard deductions, you’re keeping a solid chunk of your paycheck.

Now, rent: The average 1BR rent in Metairie CDP is $865/month. That’s a game-changer. In a city where the Cost of Living Index is 91.1 (US avg = 100), your money stretches further. Here’s a sample monthly budget for an Elementary School Teacher earning the median:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$865	Includes water, trash; expect $950 for a nicer unit
Utilities (Electric/Gas)	$120	Higher in summer with AC usage
Groceries	$350	Publix, Rouses, and Walmart are staples
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	Check Jefferson Parish benefits
Retirement (5% of salary)	$258	Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL)
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,493
Remaining Discretionary	$1,357

This leaves you with about $1,357/month for savings, dining out, or hobbies. Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Metairie is around $280,000, and with your take-home, a 20% down payment ($56,000) is achievable with disciplined savings over 3-5 years. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would run about $1,400/month (including taxes/insurance), which is tight but doable if you’re single or have a dual income. Insider tip: Many teachers here buy in Mid-City or Old Metairie—areas with good resale value and short commutes to schools.

Where the Jobs Are: Metairie CDP's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by the public school system, but there are pockets of opportunity in charters and private schools. Jefferson Parish Public Schools (JPPSS) is the behemoth, employing over 5,000 staff. With 682 teaching jobs in the metro, most are within JPPSS. Hiring trends are stable but competitive; they prioritize local candidates with Louisiana certification.

Here are the top employers:

1. Jefferson Parish Public Schools – Largest employer, with schools like Metairie Elementary, John Ehret High, and Bonnabel Magnet Academy. They hire year-round, but peak hiring is April-June for the next academic year. Insider tip: Apply directly on their portal; don’t wait for job boards.
2. Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans – A French immersion charter school in the metro area. They seek bilingual teachers and offer slightly higher pay (around $65,000 median). Small, tight-knit community.
3. St. Mary’s Dominican High School – Private Catholic school in nearby New Orleans but draws Metairie residents. Hiring is selective; requires a personal faith commitment.
4. Ben Franklin High School – Another charter gem in the area, focused on STEM. They poach talent from JPPSS with incentives.
5. St. George School – Private K-8 in nearby Baton Rouge but with Metairie commuters. Known for strong parent involvement.
6. Louisiana Department of Education – State-level roles for curriculum specialists or coaches, based in Baton Rouge but remote-friendly for Metairie residents.
7. Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement – For teachers looking to move into adult education or admin roles. Often hires adjuncts with classroom experience.

Hiring trends show a slight uptick in charter schools (3-5% growth), but public schools remain the bulk. Post-pandemic, there’s a focus on reading and math specialists. Insider tip: Network at Jefferson Parish Education Association meetings—it’s where openings are often whispered about first.

Getting Licensed in LA

Louisiana’s licensing is straightforward but bureaucratic. You need a Louisiana Professional Teaching Certificate from the state’s Department of Education. If you’re coming from out-of-state, reciprocity exists for most states, but you’ll need to apply for certification transfer.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program.
• Passing scores on the Praxis exams (Core Academic Skills and your subject area). Cost: $130 for Core, $150 for subject tests.
• Background check (fingerprinting): $50.
• Application fee: $50.

Timeline: If you’re already certified in another state, it can take 4-6 weeks for reciprocity. If starting from scratch, allow 6-9 months for exams and paperwork. Insider tip: Louisiana often waives some requirements for teachers in high-need subjects like special education or ESL—check the Louisiana Department of Education’s website for updates.

Costs: Total upfront costs (exams + background check + application) are around $400. Many schools reimburse this after hiring.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Metairie’s neighborhoods vary by vibe, commute, and rent. As a teacher, you want a place with easy access to schools, low crime, and a community feel. The metro population is 136,597, so it’s dense but not overwhelming.

Here are top picks:

1. Old Metairie – Upscale, walkable, with tree-lined streets. Close to schools like Metairie Elementary. Rent: $1,100/month for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Insider tip: Great for teachers who want a quiet, affluent vibe; home prices here hold value.
2. Mid-City – More affordable, diverse, with a mix of families and young professionals. Near John Ehret High. Rent: $800/month for a 1BR. Commute: 15-20 minutes. Insider tip: Popular with teachers for its community gardens and local cafes—perfect for unwinding after school.
3. Lakeview – Near the lake, with a suburban feel. Good for families; rent: $950/month for a 1BR. Commute: 20 minutes to most schools. Insider tip: Watch for flood zones; check FEMA maps before renting.
4. Kenner – Just west of Metairie, cheaper and quieter. Rent: $750/month for a 1BR. Commute: 25 minutes. Insider tip: Many teachers live here for the affordability and easy parking.
5. Old Jefferson – Emerging area with renovated homes. Rent: $850/month for a 1BR. Commute: 15 minutes. Insider tip: Up-and-coming; feels like a hidden gem with new restaurants popping up.

Avoid areas like parts of Harahan if you’re on a tight budget—rents are higher there. Pro tip: Use Zillow or local Facebook groups to find rentals; many landlords offer teacher discounts.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With 10-year job growth at 1%, advancement isn’t explosive, but there are paths. Most teachers start in classroom roles and move into specialties or admin.

Specialty premiums: Special education, ESL, and STEM teachers earn $3,000-$5,000 more annually. For example, a special ed teacher might hit $67,000 mid-career. Magnet or charter schools often pay extra for niche skills.

Advancement paths:

• Curriculum Specialist: After 5+ years, you can train others. Pay: $70,000+.
• Assistant Principal: Requires a master’s degree and 3-5 years of experience. Pay: $75,000-$85,000.
• District-Level Roles: In curriculum or PD, often remote. Growth is slow but steady.

10-year outlook: Demand will stay flat but pivot toward special education and early childhood. With Louisiana’s focus on literacy (via the "Louisiana Believes" initiative), reading coaches will be in demand. Insider tip: Get a master’s in special ed or reading from University of New Orleans or Loyola—it’s a direct ticket to higher pay and more job security.

The Verdict: Is Metairie CDP Right for You?

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (91.1 index) means your $61,970 salary goes far	Slow job growth (1%)—limited upward mobility
Stable employment with Jefferson Parish	Hot, humid summers and hurricane risk
Strong community and family-friendly vibe	Car-dependent; public transit is weak
Easy access to New Orleans culture and food	Salaries lag behind national average
Affordable home ownership potential	State politics can impact education funding

Final recommendation: Metairie CDP is ideal for teachers seeking a stable, affordable lifestyle with a touch of Southern charm. If you value work-life balance, community, and financial breathing room over rapid career growth, it’s a solid choice. It’s not for those chasing big promotions or booming markets, but for most, it’s a place to build a life, not just a career.

FAQs

Q: How competitive are teaching jobs in Metairie?
A: Moderately competitive. With 682 jobs and 1% growth, apply early and highlight local ties. Charters are less competitive than public schools.

Q: What’s the weather like for commuting?
A: Brutal in summer (90°F+ with high humidity). Winters are mild. A reliable car with AC is non-negotiable.

Q: Are there opportunities for side income?
A: Yes! Many teachers tutor in the evenings or work summer camps. Tutoring rates are $25-$40/hour locally.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to nearby New Orleans?
A: Metairie is 10-15% cheaper than New Orleans, especially for rent and groceries. You save on daily expenses but miss some NOLA perks.

Q: What’s the best way to network as a new teacher?
A: Join the Jefferson Parish Education Association and attend district workshops. Follow local education blogs like The Lens for insider news.