{"id":45814,"date":"2024-02-04T11:44:52","date_gmt":"2024-02-04T17:44:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=45814"},"modified":"2024-11-28T02:29:14","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T08:29:14","slug":"how-much-does-an-elementary-teacher-make-in-south-carolina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-an-elementary-teacher-make-in-south-carolina\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does an Elementary Teacher Make in South Carolina in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary teachers are the bedrock of a child&#8217;s education. They cultivate a love of learning while teaching socialization skills and how to process emotions. But at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, the state confronted a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/scdailygazette.com\/2023\/11\/27\/as-school-vacancies-exceed-1600-a-proposal-would-require-legislators-to-substitute-teach\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">record-breaking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> number of teaching vacancies. South Carolina <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/southcarolina\/teacher-resources\/teaching-in-south-carolina-blog\/south-carolina-teacher-shortage-can-help\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">needs more quality people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to join this crucial vocation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The average elementary teacher salary in South Carolina as of May 2022 was $54,140. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> examines elementary school teachers&#8217; salaries in South Carolina. We&#8217;ll also outline the various pathways to becoming an elementary teacher, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/alternate-teacher-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alternative teacher certification options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-364173\" src=\"\/media-tx\/elementary-teacher-south-in-carolina.jpg\" alt=\"Teacher at front of class in an elementary school lesson\" \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is an Elementary Teacher?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary school teachers teach the core educational subjects, such as reading, writing, and mathematics. They follow the curriculum standards set by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ed.sc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Carolina Department of Education<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (SCDE). In addition, they guide children&#8217;s social and emotional development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary teachers in South Carolina are often divided into two main specialties:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early Childhood (PK-3)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary (2-6)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In South Carolina, children can enter kindergarten if they turn five by September 1<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of that school year. Most of the state&#8217;s elementary schools go up to fifth grade, although some end at fourth and others go as high as sixth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lower elementary grades are typically taught in a single classroom. Thus, their teacher is responsible for their entire education. However, the older students may begin changing classrooms for a few subjects, such as math, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-science-teacher\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">science<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, music, and PE.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excellent elementary school teachers range in teaching styles, skills, and educational philosophy. But those that succeed all have some qualities in common, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Commitment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Elementary students emotionally rely upon their teachers. Nor do they do well with uncertainty. These young learners need dependable teachers who are committed to their word, show up on time (or earlier), and are always engaged with their students.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Continuous learner<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Young learners are deeply curious and find the world fascinating. To keep them engaged, elementary teachers must share this passion of discovery. In addition, there is always more information coming out on how best to connect, relate, and uplift children at this crucial developmental phase.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Empathetic<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Small children have big feelings. An excellent educator understands the importance of taking their students&#8217; emotions and ideas seriously. They help kids learn how to navigate situations, from the difficult to joyful, in a constructive and positive manner. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary school teachers are incredibly busy people. Their role comes with numerous responsibilities, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capable of teaching a large class, small groups, and one-on-one.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicate progress, challenges, and needs with the parents and guardians of their students.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support their students&#8217; growth and overall development.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Do Elementary Teachers Make in South Carolina?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average annual salaries for elementary school teachers in South Carolina as of May 2022, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes252021.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highest salary &#8211; $74,040<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Average salary \u2013 $54,140<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lowest salary &#8211; $38,720<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Carolina elementary school teaching salaries vary depending on the district and the teacher&#8217;s qualifications, years of experience, and additional skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-364127\" src=\"\/media-tx\/percentage-south-carolina.png\" alt=\"percentage south carolina\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How To Become an Elementary Teacher in South Carolina<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to become an elementary teacher varies throughout the United States. The SCDE oversees South Carolina&#8217;s process. The state\u2019s traditional pathway contains the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Obtain a bachelor&#8217;s degree. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All US states require a bachelor&#8217;s degree to become a certified, full-time teacher. The traditional pathway involves selecting a degree centered around elementary education. Those using an alternative pathway may have a degree in another subject but will need a GPA of 2.75 or higher.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete a teacher preparation program: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many universities offer a teacher preparation program as part of the degree.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gain Field Experience and Student Teaching Hours:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> South Carolina provides a one-year Internship Certificate to allow candidates to gain student teaching experience. To qualify, the candidate must undergo field experience and submit fingerprints for a background check. It will be performed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pass the SCBE required exams:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Elementary school teachers must pass the relevant <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/praxis\/sc\/test-takers\/plan-your-test\/licensure\/requirements.html#accordion-8ae9341add-item-a5bb8b04ef\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Praxis exams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apply for certification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The SCDE has two main certification options for those on the traditional pathway. The most common is the Initial Educator Certificate, valid for three years.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in August 2022, a Provisional Initial Certificate was introduced to help ease the teaching shortage. It is for traditional candidates who have completed all their requirements except achieving a passing score on one or more required exams. It will only be issued at the request of a school district in need and comes with restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both certification options require a background check, typically separate from the one done during student teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative Route to Certification for Elementary School Teachers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Carolina approved alternative routes to certification for elementary school teachers. The alternative route saves candidates time and money, as they will not have to obtain a second bachelor&#8217;s degree in education and typically are allowed to teach while completing their course. It also benefits the state by getting quality teachers into the classroom faster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative teaching programs in South Carolina vary in their steps. But as a guide, we&#8217;ll walk you through the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/southcarolina\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> three-year process:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Apply<\/strong>. Be sure you have a four-year bachelor&#8217;s degree and a 2.5 GPA<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pre-Classroom Training<\/strong>: A self-paced process that takes 4-6 weeks. It involves:<br \/>\nOnline coursework.<br \/>\nOnline and in-classroom observation.<br \/>\nPassing the relevant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/praxis\/sc\/test-takers\/plan-your-test\/licensure\/requirements.html#accordion-92dcfe0134-item-62dbc241b2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Praxis Core Exams<\/a>. (See <a href=\"https:\/\/thelearningliaisons.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Learning Liaisons<\/a> for exam prep resources.)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply to the SCDE for a Statement of Eligibility<\/strong>. The paperwork assures potential employers that the candidate has completed the necessary steps to be eligible for teaching employment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply for a teaching position<\/strong>. Always take time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/teacher-interview-questions\/\">prepare for the interview<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Pass a background check. Candidates cannot apply for any type of certification without passing a background check. Fingerprints will be sent to the SLED and FBI.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply for an Alternative Route Teaching Certificate.<\/strong> The alternative certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed three times.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete Internship Year<\/strong>: Candidates will teach for pay while being provided support by an on-campus mentor and Field Supervisor. Candidates will be required to complete case studies and fieldwork in classroom management.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teach for three years<\/strong>: Once candidates have completed three years of full-time teaching and met all necessary requirements, they can apply for a Professional Teaching License, valid for five years and renewable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Elementary School Teaching Job?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a certified elementary school teacher in South Carolina, you can work in various settings:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: South Carolina public schools generally pay the highest salaries. However, the pay significantly varies, depending on the school district, a teacher&#8217;s qualifications, and their years of experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Private schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Private school pay swings between the worst and best in the state. It is highly dependent on the institution and the tuition fees. Prestigious schools in the city will pay significantly better than smaller schools in a town.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>International schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: International school pay is high in submersion schools, where teachers must be fluent in another language, such as French. However, the smaller, more general schools pay their teachers significantly lower salaries.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Online teaching<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Virtual teaching in South Carolina has fewer well-paying jobs and more lower-paying positions. However, it is easier to find part-time roles in this area.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Charter schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: South Carolina charter schools tend to be the lowest paying. However, teachers with more years of experience have a higher salary.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-364128\" src=\"\/media-tx\/highest-to-lowest-teaching-job.png\" alt=\"highest to lowest-teaching job\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, our mission is to support you as you strive toward becoming one of South Carolina&#8217;s top elementary teachers. Don&#8217;t wait to make a difference in children&#8217;s lives. Begin your journey today!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Related teaching careers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-an-online-teacher\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Become an Online Teacher in 2023<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-preschool-teacher-in-2023\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How To Become a Preschool Teacher in 2023<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/kindergarten-teacher-requirements-and-skill-sets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does a Kindergarten Teacher Do: Requirements and Skill Sets<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Related Articles\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-an-elementary-teacher-make-in-north-carolina\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does an Elementary Teacher Make in North Carolina in 2023<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/can-you-teach-in-south-carolina-without-a-degree-what-you-should-know-in-2023\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can You Teach in South Carolina Without a Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/requirements-and-skill-sets-for-elementary-teacher\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do: Requirements and Skill Sets<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elementary teachers are the bedrock of a child&#8217;s education. They cultivate a love of learning while teaching socialization skills and how to process emotions. But at the start of the &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-insights"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-01-19 19:25:45","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45814"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45814"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45814\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47041,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45814\/revisions\/47041"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45814"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}