Elementary School Teacher in Plymouth, MN

A Local Career Guide for Elementary School Teachers in Plymouth, MN

As a career analyst who’s spent years studying the Twin Cities metro, I’ve seen Plymouth evolve from a quiet suburb into a vibrant, family-focused hub. It’s a place where community roots run deep, and the schools are the beating heart of the neighborhood. For an elementary school teacher, it’s not just a job market—it’s a lifestyle choice. This guide strips away the fluff and gives you the data, the neighborhoods, and the insider knowledge you need to decide if this is the right move for your career.

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The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In Plymouth, the Median Salary for an Elementary School Teacher is $64,529/year, which breaks down to an Hourly Rate of $31.02/hour. This is a solid, competitive wage for the region. It’s slightly above the National Average of $63,670/year, but it’s crucial to understand the local context: the cost of living here is about 4.5% higher than the national average.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience and education levels common in Minnesota:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Plymouth, MN)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-3 years, BA)	$52,000 - $58,000	Starting on the district salary schedule; most common in public charter or private schools.
Mid-Career (4-10 years, MA)	$62,000 - $72,000	This is where the median salary sits; moving up the public school district pay scale.
Senior (10-15 years, MA+)	$73,000 - $84,000	Often includes roles like department lead, mentor teacher, or specialist certifications.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$85,000+	Can include leadership roles (e.g., Dean of Students), National Board Certification, or high-demand specialties.

How does Plymouth compare to other Minnesota cities?
Plymouth’s salary is strong compared to many suburbs. For context, the Jobs in Metro area for teachers are plentiful, with 388 openings often available at any given time. The 10-Year Job Growth is a stable 1%, indicating a consistent, mature market rather than a booming one. This isn’t a place with rapid turnover; it’s a place where you plant roots. Compared to Minneapolis (where salaries are similar but cost of living is higher), or St. Paul (slightly lower salaries), Plymouth offers a compelling balance. Mankato or Rochester may have lower living costs, but Plymouth provides access to the robust metro job market and amenities.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $64,529 salary sounds good on paper, but let’s see what it means for your monthly budget. We’ll use the Average 1BR Rent of $1,201/month and the Cost of Living Index of 104.5 as our baseline.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Teacher (Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,377
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,200
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$4,177

Expense Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR, average): $1,201
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): ~$180
• Groceries & Household: ~$400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: ~$500
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): ~$200
• Retirement (Mandatory Teacher Retirement of 14.5% is pre-tax, but we’ll account for it here): ~$780 (This is a significant, but crucial, deduction)
• Miscellaneous (Personal, Entertainment, Savings): ~$916

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Plymouth is around $425,000. With a $64,529 salary, a 20% down payment ($85,000) is a major hurdle for a single teacher. A more realistic path is a 5-10% down payment with an FHA or conventional loan, but your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,300/month. That’s nearly double the average rent. For a single teacher on the median salary, buying a home in Plymouth is challenging without a dual income or substantial savings. Insider Tip: Many teachers in the area buy homes in neighboring, slightly more affordable suburbs like Maple Grove or Brooklyn Park, or wait until they are in the mid-career salary bracket (with a partner's income) to purchase.

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Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth and its immediate surroundings are home to a diverse array of employers. While the public school district is the primary source, other institutions also hire educators for their on-site preschools or after-school programs.

1. Wayzata Public Schools (ISD 284): This is the crown jewel and primary employer. Serving Plymouth and part of Wayzata, it’s a high-performing district known for strong community support and competitive benefits. Hiring is steady, especially for special education, STEM, and ESL teachers. Insider Tip: The district’s boundaries can be complex; confirm if your address falls within ISD 284.
2. Robbinsdale Area Schools (ISD 281): Serves the eastern part of Plymouth. A large, diverse district with a wide range of schools and a strong commitment to equity. Often has more openings and can be a good entry point for new teachers.
3. Plymouth Christian Academy: A private, faith-based school serving K-12. Salaries are generally lower than public schools, but the community is tight-knit. Hiring is less frequent but can be a great fit for educators seeking a specific mission-driven environment.
4. Maple Grove Area Schools (ISD 279): While Maple Grove is a separate city, it borders Plymouth and many teachers live in one and work in the other. Osseo Area Schools is a major employer with a diverse student body and ongoing needs.
5. The Blake School: A prestigious private school with a campus in Plymouth. It’s highly competitive to get a teaching position here, but it offers excellent resources and professional development. Salaries are above public school averages.
6. Plymouth Early Childhood Center (PECC): A public, community-based preschool focused on early childhood development. A great entry point for teachers with an early childhood license.
7. Local Childcare Centers & After-School Programs: Companies like Kindercare and Primrose Schools have centers in Plymouth. While not traditional K-5 roles, they are a significant part of the local education ecosystem and often hire certified teachers for lead positions.

Hiring Trends: The 10-Year Job Growth of 1% means you won’t see a hiring frenzy. Positions open due to retirement, family leave, or expansion of specialized programs (like STEM labs or language immersion). Networking is key. Insider Tip: The best time to apply is late winter/early spring (February-April) for the following school year. Summer hires are less common.

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Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has a clear, if rigorous, path to licensure. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is your governing body.

• Requirements: You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, and passing scores on the required Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs). You must also complete coursework in American Indian history and culture.
• Costs: Expect to pay for:
  • Application Fee: ~$175
  • MTLE Exams: ~$100-$150 per test (Basic Skills, Pedagogy, and a content area test for Elementary Education).
  • Background Check: ~$50-$100.
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $500 - $800.
• Timeline: If you are already licensed in another state (a "Tier 3" license in MN), the process can take 4-6 months, provided you complete any additional Minnesota-specific coursework (like the American Indian studies). If you are starting from scratch, it will take the duration of your teacher preparation program (typically 4 years for a bachelor's).

Insider Tip: Minnesota has a Reciprocity Agreement with many states, but it’s not automatic. You’ll likely need to apply for a Tier 3 or 4 license and may need to take specific courses. Start this process at least 6 months before your planned move.

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Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Plymouth is geographically large, and where you live impacts your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods from a teacher’s perspective.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It’s a Good Fit
Downtown Plymouth	Walkable, urban feel. Close to shops, restaurants, and the community center. Central to most schools.	$1,300 - $1,500	Minimal commute, great for socializing. Ideal for teachers who want a "live-work-play" environment.
Medley/Lone Lake	Suburban, family-centric. Quiet streets, excellent parks, and highly-rated schools.	$1,150 - $1,350	The quintessential Plymouth experience. Perfect if you want to teach and live in the same community.
East Plymouth (near Hwy 55)	More affordable, convenient to Minneapolis via I-494. Mix of older and newer homes.	$1,050 - $1,250	Great value. A shorter commute to Robbinsdale or Minneapolis schools. Good for those on a tighter budget.
West Plymouth (near Bass Lake Rd)	Established, wooded lots, peaceful. Close to the French Regional Park.	$1,200 - $1,400	A quieter, more settled feel. Good for teachers who want space and nature without a long drive.
Near the Blake School	Prestigious area, very safe, top-rated.	$1,400+	If you work at Blake or want the best of everything, this is the spot. It’s the priciest.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-494 and Highway 55 can be congested during rush hour. If you work in Robbinsdale or Minneapolis, living in East Plymouth can cut your commute significantly. Always check the school district boundaries for any rental address—living in a specific district doesn’t guarantee you’ll work there, but it helps with community integration.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A teaching career in Plymouth is a marathon, not a sprint. The 10-Year Job Growth of 1% tells you that movement is internal and based on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: In Minnesota, certain endorsements command higher pay or make you more competitive:
  • Special Education (SPED): Consistently in high demand. Some districts offer stipends (an extra $2,000-$5,000/year).
  • English Learner (EL/ESL): Crucial in the diverse Twin Cities metro.
  • STEM/Computer Science: Districts are investing heavily here. Certification can open doors to new programs.
  • World Languages (Spanish, Chinese): Also in demand, especially for immersion programs.
• Advancement Paths: You don’t have to stay in the classroom forever. Common paths include:
  • Instructional Coach: Mentor other teachers (often a $5,000-$10,000 salary bump).
  • Curriculum Specialist: Work at the district level developing materials.
  • Administration: Becoming a Principal or Assistant Principal requires a Master’s and an administrative license, but offers salaries in the $95,000 - $130,000 range.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. Minnesota faces a teacher shortage in specific areas (SPED, STEM), so if you have those specializations, your job security is high. The public pension system (TRA) is robust, making it a long-term career with good retirement benefits.

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The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons from a local perspective.

Pros	Cons
Stable, well-funded schools with strong community support.	High cost of living for a single teacher, making home ownership difficult.
Central location in the metro—easy access to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the airport.	Job growth is slow (1%); you’ll need to be persistent and network to find openings.
Safe, family-friendly suburbs with excellent parks and recreation.	Winters are long and harsh; you must be prepared for snow and cold from November to March.
Competitive salary ($64,529 median) with strong benefits and pension.	Licensure process can be lengthy if moving from out-of-state.
Diverse student population in the metro area, offering rich teaching experiences.	Can feel "suburban" if you crave a more urban, vibrant city life.

Final Recommendation:
Plymouth is an excellent choice for elementary school teachers who value stability, community, and a high quality of life. It’s ideal for those in a partnership (dual income) or willing to rent long-term while saving. If your specialty is in high demand (SPED, STEM), you’ll find a welcoming job market. However, if you are a single, early-career teacher focused on buying a home immediately, or if you crave the energy of a dense urban environment, you might find the financial and social landscape challenging.

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FAQs

1. I’m licensed in another state. How long will it take to get a MN license?
If you have an out-of-state license, you can apply for a Tier 3 license. The process typically takes 4-6 months. You’ll need to submit transcripts, test scores, a background check, and may need to take additional MN-specific courses. Start with the PELSB website.

2. Are there signing bonuses for teachers in Plymouth?
It’s rare for traditional public school districts, but some charter schools or private schools (like certain charters serving high-need populations) may offer small incentives ($1,000-$2,500). Always ask during the interview process.

3. What is the typical teaching schedule?
The standard is 180 student contact days per year, with summers off. The school day is usually ~7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with planning periods and staff meetings after school. Be prepared for unpaid summer professional development or curriculum writing.

4. How do I find a teaching job in a district like Wayzata?
The best method is to apply directly on the district’s online application portal (like Applitrack). Do not just email a principal. However, insider tip: attending local job fairs (held at places like the University of Minnesota or local educational service cooperatives) and connecting with current teachers on LinkedIn can give you a crucial edge.

5. Is it worth it to get a Master’s degree?
In Minnesota, yes. Most districts place you on a higher salary schedule with a Master’s, which can mean earning $5,000-$10,000 more per year over your career. It’s often a prerequisite for advancement into coaching or administration. Many teachers pursue their Master’s part-time while working.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), Zillow, RentCafe, and local school district salary schedules.