Elementary School Teacher in Savannah, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the numbers tell a compelling story for elementary education in Savannah. The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher here is $62,829 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.21. While this is slightly below the national average of $63,670, the cost of living in Savannah is a significant equalizer. The local cost of living index is 95.6, meaning your dollar stretches further here than in many parts of the country.

It's also important to consider the local job market. According to federal data, there are approximately 738 jobs for elementary teachers in the Savannah metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 1%. This isn't a high-growth field, but it's a stable one. The key takeaway is that jobs exist, but competition can be steady, especially for coveted positions in specific school districts or neighborhoods.

Here’s how the salary breaks down by experience level in the Savannah context. Note that these are estimates based on local district pay scales and the provided median; actual pay varies by the specific school system (public vs. charter vs. private).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Savannah
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	Typically starts at the lower end of the Savannah County or Chatham County Public Schools scale. Often includes a stipend for additional certification.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$60,000 - $68,000	This is where the median ($62,829) typically falls. Teachers here have likely earned a Master's degree, which significantly boosts pay.
Senior (10-19 years)	$69,000 - $77,000	Veterans with advanced degrees and leadership roles (e.g., Department Chair, Mentor Teacher) reach this bracket.
Expert (20+ years)	$78,000 - $90,000+	Top of the scale for master teachers, often in specialized roles or with national board certification. Some private school teachers may fall here, but public school caps are more rigid.

When comparing to other Georgia cities, Savannah sits in a middle ground. Atlanta and its suburbs often offer higher salaries but come with a steeper cost of living. Cities like Augusta or Columbus may have similar or slightly lower pay but also a lower cost of living. For a teacher weighing options, Savannah offers a unique blend: a coastal lifestyle with a manageable housing market if you look in the right areas.

Insider Tip: The $62,829 median is heavily influenced by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), which is the largest employer. Smaller private schools like Savannah Country Day or Benedictine Military School can pay more, but benefits packages are often the deciding factor. Always compare the total compensation package, not just the base salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the math. A salary of $62,829 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Savannah? We’ll estimate take-home pay after taxes (federal, FICA, and state income tax for Georgia) and then factor in the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,287/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Elementary School Teacher ($62,829/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,235.75
• Estimated Net Monthly Income (after ~22% taxes): ~$4,084
• Average 1BR Rent: -$1,287
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$2,797

This leaves a reasonable cushion of about $2,800 for all other expenses. In Savannah, utilities for a 1BR apartment average $150-$200/month, groceries for one person can be $300-$400, and a typical car payment and insurance might be $400-$600. This budget allows for savings and discretionary spending, but it’s tight if you have significant student loan debt or other financial obligations.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the key question for many teachers considering a long-term move. The median home price in the Savannah metro area is approximately $275,000. For a single teacher earning $62,829, a mortgage on a home at this price point would be a stretch. Lenders typically recommend a housing payment (including taxes and insurance) that doesn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. For a teacher, that's about $1,466/month. While possible with a substantial down payment, many teachers starting out will find renting more feasible, often sharing a larger home or apartment in neighborhoods like Midtown or Southside to reduce costs.

Insider Tip: To make homeownership a goal, consider buying with a partner or looking at homes in more affordable areas like parts of West Savannah or Port Wentworth, where prices are lower. Use the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, which offers down payment assistance specifically for teachers and other public servants.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

The job market for elementary teachers in Savannah is anchored by a mix of public, private, and charter options. The largest employer is the public school system, but there are several other key players.

1. Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS): This is the behemoth, employing over 5,000 people. It covers the city and most of Chatham County. Hiring is most active in late spring and summer. They have a strong focus on STEM and literacy initiatives. Hiring Trend: Steady demand, especially for special education, ESL, and STEM-certified teachers. There's a push for more teachers in Title I schools, which often come with additional stipends.

2. Savannah Country Day School: A prestigious, independent K-12 school. Salaries here are higher than the public system, often starting in the $60,000 range for new teachers. They emphasize project-based learning and have excellent facilities. Hiring Trend: Highly competitive; openings are rare and often filled by internal referrals or candidates with advanced degrees from top education programs.

3. Benedictine Military School: An all-boys, Catholic military school. Known for a disciplined environment and strong community. Salaries are competitive with other top private schools. Hiring Trend: They value teachers who can work within their unique structure. Openings appear sporadically.

4. St. Vincent's Academy: A private, all-girls Catholic school. Similar to Benedictine, it offers a tight-knit community and strong academic focus. Salaries align with other private institutions. Hiring Trend: Stable, with low turnover.

5. Charter Schools (e.g., Oglethorpe Charter School, Tybee Island Maritime Academy): Charter schools offer more flexibility in curriculum but often have less job security (contracts are typically 1-2 years). Salaries are often close to the public system median. Hiring Trend: Growing sector, with new charters occasionally opening. More opportunities for innovative teachers.

6. Savannah Technical College (Early Childhood Education Program): While not a K-12 employer, this is a major hub for teacher training and may offer part-time adjunct positions for experienced teachers.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at job boards. Join the "Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Teachers" Facebook group. Unposted openings and long-term sub positions are often shared there first. Networking with teachers at local coffee shops like The Coffee Fox or Foxy Loxy Cafe can also lead to leads.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia’s licensing system is straightforward but requires careful planning. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) oversees all educator certification.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution. Your degree must include a teacher preparation program.
2. Content Knowledge: You must pass the appropriate Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) content exams. For Elementary Education, this is the GACE Elementary Education Assessment (001 & 002).
3. Ethics: Pass the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory.

Pathways to Certification:

• Traditional Route: If you have a standard teaching certificate from another state, you can often apply for reciprocity. Georgia has interstate agreements, but you may still need to take the GACE content exams if your previous state's exam wasn't equivalent (like Praxis). The cost for GACE exams is about $123 per test (two tests for Elementary Ed).
• Alternative Route (for career changers): Georgia offers the "Alternative Route" for those with a bachelor's degree but no teaching background. You would enroll in a GaPSC-approved program (like at Georgia Southern University or through ABAC), get a provisional certificate, and teach while completing coursework. This path is common and well-supported in Savannah.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you have an out-of-state license: Start the reciprocity application immediately. The GaPSC website processing can take 6-8 weeks. Budget for GACE exams if required.
• If you need alternative certification: Research programs now. Many have rolling admissions. The entire process (application, coursework, provisional license) can take 6-12 months. You can often start working as a long-term sub while in the program.

Costs: Beyond GACE exams, expect fees for the ethics assessment ($30), background check (~$45), and the initial application fee ($100). Alternative certification program costs vary widely, from a few thousand to over $10,000.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Living in Savannah is about balancing commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

• Midtown (Victorian District): This is the classic Savannah experience—historic homes, live oaks, and a vibrant, walkable feel. It's central to many downtown schools and SCCPSS administrative offices. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most schools. Lifestyle: Walkable to Forsyth Park, cafes, and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) campus. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,800/month for a 1BR/1BA in a historic building or apartment complex.

• Southside (Midtown/Savannah Mall Area): A more modern, suburban area with shopping centers, restaurants, and newer apartment complexes. It's popular with young professionals and families. Commute: 10-20 minutes to schools, but can be longer during peak hours on major arteries like Abercorn Street. Lifestyle: More car-dependent, but with all amenities nearby. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month for a newer 1BR apartment.

• Ardsley Park/Parkside: Located just north of Midtown, this area is a mix of historic and modern, with beautiful tree-lined streets. It's quieter than downtown but still close to everything. Commute: 10 minutes to most schools. Lifestyle: Very residential, great for jogging or biking. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600/month.

• West Savannah: An older, more affordable neighborhood that is undergoing revitalization. It's close to the Savannah River and has a strong community feel. Commute: 10-15 minutes to schools in the western part of Chatham County. Lifestyle: Less touristy, more local. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300/month for a 1BR apartment or small rental house.

• Port Wentworth: A neighboring town just west of Savannah. It's more industrial but has affordable housing and a quick commute to many schools in western Chatham County. Commute: 15-25 minutes to schools. Lifestyle: Suburban, quiet, and budget-friendly. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400/month for a 1BR apartment or house.

Insider Tip: If you work at a school in the downtown/Midtown area, parking is a nightmare. Factor in the cost of a parking pass or the time to find street parking. Living in Midtown or Ardsley Park allows you to bike or even walk to work, saving on gas and stress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A teaching career in Savannah can be fulfilling, but advancement often means moving beyond the classroom. The 10-year outlook shows a stable but not booming job market, so proactive career planning is essential.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• National Board Certification: This is the gold standard. In Georgia, teachers who achieve National Board Certification (NBCT) receive a $10,000 annual salary supplement from the state. This can push a mid-career teacher's salary from $62,829 to over $72,000. It's a grueling process but pays dividends.
• Advanced Degrees: A Master’s degree is standard for career advancement. A PhD or EdD opens doors to district-level administration, curriculum development, or college teaching.
• Leadership Roles: Within SCCPSS, pathways include becoming a Department Chair, Instructional Coach, or Mentor Teacher. These roles often come with a small stipend ($2,000-$5,000).
• Administration: The next step is Assistant Principal or Principal. This requires a Master’s degree and an Educational Leadership certification. Salaries for administrators in Savannah range from $90,000 to over $130,000 for superintendents.

10-Year Outlook: With a 1% job growth, the field is not expanding rapidly. Therefore, career growth will come from specialization and leadership. The demand for teachers with expertise in special education, STEM (especially coding and robotics), and bilingual education will remain high. The growth of charter schools may create new leadership and curriculum design roles.

Insider Tip: Get involved with the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) or the National Education Association (NEA) local chapter. They offer professional development, networking, and advocacy training that can lead to leadership opportunities within the union and beyond.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Making the move to Savannah is a lifestyle choice as much as a career one. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $62,829 salary goes further here than in many cities.	Modest Salary Growth: The 10-year job growth of 1% and a pay scale that tops out for teachers means limited upward mobility without changing roles.
Unique Culture & History: Living in a historic coastal city offers an unparalleled quality of life.	Heat & Humidity: The Savannah summer is long, hot, and humid, which can be taxing, especially in older school buildings without modern A/C.
Strong School Communities: Many schools have deep roots and supportive parent communities, especially in Midtown and Southside.	Tourist Congestion: Downtown and historic districts can be gridlocked with traffic, especially during festivals (like St. Patrick's Day) and peak tourist season.
Coastal Access: Beaches like Tybee Island and Tybee are a short drive away, great for weekend decompression.	Limited Public Transit: Savannah is a car-centric city. A reliable vehicle is a necessity, adding to monthly expenses.

Final Recommendation:
Savannah is an excellent choice for an elementary school teacher who values community, history, and a unique coastal lifestyle over a high-powered, fast-paced career. It is ideal for those who are financially stable, possibly with a partner or with minimal debt, and who are looking for a place to put down roots. The city rewards those who are patient, community-oriented, and willing to engage with its rich, sometimes slow-moving, culture. If your primary goal is to maximize your teaching salary within a few years, you might look at Atlanta suburbs. But if you want a career that feels integrated into a vibrant, living city, Savannah is hard to beat.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new teachers in Savannah?
A: Competition varies by sector. Public school jobs in SCCPSS are attainable, especially for those with in-demand specialties (SPED, ESL). Private schools are more competitive. It's crucial to apply early (spring for fall positions) and be flexible about the school's location.

Q: What are the typical benefits for teachers in Savannah?
A: Public school teachers in SCCPSS receive a comprehensive package: health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement through the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRSGA); and professional development funds. Private schools vary but often include retirement matching and tuition remission for children.

Q: Is it easy to transfer an out-of-state teaching license to Georgia?
A: It depends on your home state. Georgia has reciprocity agreements with many states, but you will likely need to take the GACE content exams. Start the process with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) website as early as possible.

Q: What is the teacher community like in Savannah?
A: Very active and supportive. There are strong networks through SCPPS, private schools, and local chapters of professional organizations. Social media groups are invaluable for sharing resources and job leads. The city's small-town feel within a larger metro area helps foster connections.

Q: Can I survive on a teacher's salary in Savannah without a roommate?
A: Yes, especially if you are budget-conscious and live in affordable neighborhoods like West Savannah or Port Wentworth. A single teacher earning the median salary of $62,829 can afford a 1-bedroom apartment and live comfortably, though homeownership may require a partner or significant savings