Career Guide for Elementary School Teachers in Sunrise Manor CDP, NV

Sunrise Manor CDP isn't the neon-lit strip of Las Vegas you see on TV. It's the practical, suburban heart of the Las Vegas Valley—where teachers live in single-family homes, drive kids to school in the morning, and go for hikes in the desert after work. For an elementary school teacher, this is a place of stability and community, built around the rhythms of the Clark County School District (CCSD), the largest employer in the state. The cost of living is a key draw; it sits slightly below the national average, and the rent for a one-bedroom apartment is manageable on a teacher's salary. This guide will give you the unvarnished data and local insights you need to decide if packing your bags for Sunrise Manor is the right career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Manor CDP Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because they tell the core of the story. In Sunrise Manor CDP, the median salary for an elementary school teacher is $63,173 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.37. This is nearly identical to the national average for the profession, which sits at $63,670 per year. The Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV Metro Area, which includes Sunrise Manor, has a total of 1,068 jobs for elementary school teachers. The 10-year job growth projection for this metro area is a modest 1%, which essentially means the field is stable but not booming with new positions. You're not moving to a high-growth market, but you're also not moving to a shrinking one.

Salary by Experience Level

Teaching salaries in Nevada, especially within the CCSD, are typically structured on a step-and-lane system based on years of experience and education credits. Here’s how that translates in local terms:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Context
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$50,000 - $58,000	This is your starting point, often with a Bachelor's degree and no prior experience. You'll be placed on the CCSD's salary schedule.
Mid-Career (4-10 years)	$63,173 (Median)	You likely have a Master's degree and 5-10 years of experience. This is the typical salary for many teachers in the area.
Senior/Expert (11+ years)	$70,000 - $85,000	With advanced degrees (like a Master's +30 or National Board Certification) and 15+ years, you can reach the top of the local pay scale.
Expert/Administrative	$85,000+	This includes roles like Instructional Coach, Department Chair, or moving into school administration. It requires additional credentials.

Comparison to Other Nevada Cities

Sunrise Manor CDP offers a competitive salary relative to the state's cost of living. Compared to Reno, which has a similar cost of living but a smaller school district, the pay is comparable. Compared to smaller, rural Nevada towns, the salary here is significantly higher. The trade-off is the size of the district; CCSD is massive, and working within it can be both rewarding and challenging.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $63,173 salary looks solid on paper, but the real test is your monthly budget. In Sunrise Manor CDP, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,314/month. The Cost of Living Index is 97.4 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes slightly further here than the national average.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a single teacher earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,264	Based on $63,173/year
Taxes (Est. 25%)	-$1,316	Includes federal, state (NV has no income tax), and FICA.
Net Monthly Pay	$3,948	Your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,314	A realistic cost for a decent apartment in the area.
Utilities (incl. internet)	-$200	NV electricity can be high in summer.
Groceries	-$400
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	A car is a necessity in the suburbs.
Health Insurance	-$300	Varies by plan; this is a rough average.
Misc./Savings	$1,284	Left for student loans, retirement, or discretionary spending.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the big question. The median home price in the Las Vegas metro area is around $420,000. On a $63,173 salary, affording that home on a single income is a significant stretch. Lenders typically recommend your housing payment (mortgage, taxes, insurance) not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. For you, that's about $1,473. A mortgage on a $420,000 home would likely exceed $2,000/month with today's interest rates and a standard down payment. The verdict: Buying a home alone is challenging on this salary. However, it becomes very feasible with a dual-income household (partner/spouse also working). Many teachers in the area buy homes with their partner, or after several years of experience when their salary moves into the $70,000+ range.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise Manor CDP's Major Employers

The vast majority of elementary teaching jobs in Sunrise Manor CDP are within the Clark County School District (CCSD), the fifth-largest school district in the nation. The district serves the entire valley, including Sunrise Manor. Here’s a look at the specific employers and their hiring trends:

1. Clark County School District (CCSD): The absolute giant. With over 300,000 students, CCSD is always hiring, particularly for elementary grades. Hiring is strongest in the spring (for the next school year) and during the summer. Insider Tip: Use the CCSD job portal directly. Schools in Sunrise Manor, like those in the "East" or "Valley" regions, often have their own community feel.
2. Nevada State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA): While not a single employer, the SPCSA oversees numerous public charter schools in the valley, many of which are in or near Sunrise Manor. They often have different hiring processes and can be more flexible. Examples include Explore Academy or Somerset Academy (which has multiple campuses in the valley).
3. Private and Religious Schools: The area has a variety of private institutions. While there are fewer jobs than in CCSD, they can be a good fit for teachers seeking a smaller school environment. Examples include Faith Lutheran Middle & High School (in Las Vegas, serving the broader area) or St. John Catholic School.
4. Summerlin Hospital Medical Center: While not a school, it's a major local employer. Its presence affects the local economy and family needs. Teachers often find their students' parents work here or at other medical centers in the valley.
5. City of Las Vegas (Parks & Recreation): This entity manages community centers and after-school programs. It's a potential source for supplemental income or part-time roles, especially for teachers looking for summer work in youth programs.
6. Las Vegas Valley Water District & SNWA: As a major regional utility, they employ a significant number of locals. Stable employment like this often means families are settled, which is good for school enrollment stability.

Hiring Trends: The local job market for teachers is stable. The 1% job growth indicates that openings primarily come from retirements and natural turnover, not new school creation. Charter schools may show slightly more dynamic hiring. Your best bet is to apply in early spring for the following academic year.

Getting Licensed in NV

Nevada has specific requirements for teaching licensure, administered by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE). Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: You must graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and a state-approved teacher preparation program. You'll have a major in elementary education (K-8).
2. Pass the Required Exams: Nevada requires the Praxis Core (for basic skills) and the Praxis II Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (content knowledge). You must pass these before applying for a license.
3. Submit Your Application to the NDE: You'll apply online through the NDE’s Online Licensure System. You'll need to submit official transcripts, test scores, and a background check.
4. Costs:
   • Praxis Core Fees: ~$130 total for all three sections.
   • Praxis II Fee: ~$130.
   • NDE Application Fee: $150 (for out-of-state applicants).
   • Background Check: ~$50-$100.
   • Total Estimated Cost: $410 - $480.
5. Timeline: From starting your application to receiving a license, expect 4-8 weeks if all documents are in order. If you are coming from another state, you can apply for a Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) if you have a bachelor's degree but not a teaching credential, which can take longer (6-12 months).

Insider Tip: CCSD sometimes offers conditional hire while you complete licensure, but it's not guaranteed. Having your license in hand before applying gives you a major advantage.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Sunrise Manor CDP itself is a large, unincorporated area. When looking for a place to live, you'll often consider neighborhoods within or adjacent to it. Here are four excellent options, balancing commute, lifestyle, and rent.

1. Sunrise Manor Proper (Central): This is the heart of the CDP. You'll be close to your school, with a short commute (often 5-15 minutes). It's a classic suburban landscape—strip malls, parks, and family-friendly communities. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,250 - $1,350.
2. North Las Vegas (Near Craig Ranch): Just to the north, this area is more affordable. It’s a quick commute to Sunrise Manor schools and offers more square footage for your rent dollar. The neighborhood is diverse and has a strong community vibe. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,250.
3. Henderson (Green Valley South): A bit of a commute (20-30 minutes), but you trade it for a more upscale, quiet neighborhood. Green Valley is known for excellent parks, walking trails, and top-rated schools (though you'd be commuting to work in Sunrise Manor). It's a popular choice for teachers who want a serene home life. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $1,600.
4. Summerlin (West Valley): On the far west side of the valley, Summerlin is a master-planned community with high-end amenities. The commute to Sunrise Manor can be 30-45 minutes in traffic, but the lifestyle (trails, pools, community events) is highly sought after. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,800. This is a stretch on a single teacher's salary but doable if you have a roommate or partner.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A teaching career in Sunrise Manor isn't a dead-end job; it's a profession with clear advancement paths, though they often require extra effort and credentials.

• Specialty Premiums: The CCSD salary schedule includes "lanes" for advanced education. Earning a Master's degree (+$3,000 to $5,000/year), a Master's +30 (+$6,000 to $8,000/year), or National Board Certification (significant stipend) directly increases your base pay. Specializations like ESL or Special Education can also offer different pathways and sometimes higher demand.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Instructional Coach: Move out of the classroom to support other teachers, often with a $5,000-$10,000 stipend.
  2. Department Chair/Lead Teacher: A leadership role within your school, with a smaller stipend (~$2,000-$4,000).
  3. Administrator: Becoming a Vice Principal or Principal requires a Master's in Educational Leadership and a new license. Salaries jump significantly ($90,000 - $120,000+).
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 1% job growth, the landscape won't change dramatically. However, the constant need for teachers in a growing metro area (population 213,644) ensures job security. Your long-term earning potential is tied to your education and willingness to take on leadership roles. The district is large, so internal mobility is possible.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Manor CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive & Stable Salary ($63,173 median) with a low cost of living (Index: 97.4).	Modest Job Growth (1%), meaning limited new openings.
High Demand in a large, stable school district (CCSD).	Large District Challenges: Bureaucracy, large class sizes, and administrative policies can be overwhelming.
Comfortable Lifestyle with affordable rent ($1,314/month avg) and access to amenities.	Summers are Extremely Hot (consistently over 100°F), which can limit outdoor activities.
Proximity to Exciting Amenities (30-min drive to the Strip for entertainment, 1-hour to Lake Mead for recreation).	Car Dependency is absolute; public transit is not robust for daily commuting.
Diverse Community and family-friendly suburban neighborhoods.	Urban Challenges common to the Las Vegas metro area, such as transience and resource disparities in some areas.

Final Recommendation: Sunrise Manor CDP is an excellent choice for an elementary school teacher who values job stability, a comfortable suburban lifestyle, and relative affordability. It's best suited for teachers who are either starting their career (with a manageable cost of living) or mid-career professionals looking to stretch their salary. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid career advancement without pursuing further education, or for teachers who crave a small-town, tight-knit community feel. For the right person, it's a place to build a solid career and a happy life.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new teachers in CCSD?
It's moderately competitive. While CCSD is always hiring, positions in desirable, established schools (like those in Sunrise Manor or Henderson) can attract many applicants. Having your Nevada license in hand, a strong student teaching portfolio, and a willingness to teach in high-needs areas (like special education) will make you a more competitive candidate.

2. Is there a teacher shortage in Nevada?
Nationally, there's a teacher shortage, and Nevada is no exception. While CCSD has many applicants, they consistently have openings, especially in certain subjects and geographic areas. The stable 1% job growth suggests a consistent need rather than a crisis-level shortage, but it means jobs are always available.

3. What is the typical school year schedule like?
CCSD typically runs on a traditional calendar, with students starting in early August and finishing in late May, with a long summer break (10-12 weeks). There are usually a few days for teacher professional development before students arrive. The schedule is consistent and predictable, a major perk for planning.

4. Do I need to know Spanish to teach in Sunrise Manor?
It is not a requirement, but it is a significant asset. The Las Vegas valley has a large Spanish-speaking population, and many schools have dual-language programs or many ESL students. Being able to communicate with students and parents in Spanish is highly valued by administrators.

5. What resources are available for new teachers in CCSD?
CCSD has a robust New Teacher Induction Program that provides support through mentor teachers and professional development workshops in your first few years. The Nevada State Education Association (NSEA) is the local union, which offers advocacy, legal support, and community. It's highly recommended to join, especially as a new teacher.

Data Sources: Salary and job growth data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). Cost of living and rent data are from local market analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. Licensure information is from the Nevada Department of Education. All salary figures are presented as required and should be verified with the specific school district upon hiring.