What is the starting salary for Elementary Education graduates in Winston-Salem?

The estimated starting salary for Elementary Education graduates in Winston-Salem, NC is $53,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 106. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Winston-Salem are 6% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Elementary Education degree worth it in Winston-Salem?

A Elementary Education degree in Winston-Salem has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $225,128 after subtracting education costs. With 26 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $6,432/year, Winston-Salem offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.6% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Elementary Education in Winston-Salem?

The average annual public university tuition in Winston-Salem is $6,432, while private universities average $60,894/year. Including room and board ($11,486/year), total 4-year costs range from $71,672 at a public school to $289,520 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Winston-Salem is $16,995/year.

What jobs can Elementary Education graduates get in Winston-Salem?

Elementary Education graduates in Winston-Salem can pursue careers as Elementary Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Instructional Coach. Key skills valued by local employers include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Differentiated Instruction, Assessment. The Winston-Salem job market features School districts, Universities, EdTech companies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Public Schools, Private Schools, Charter Schools.

How long to pay off student loans for Elementary Education in Winston-Salem?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Elementary Education graduates in Winston-Salem would pay $814/month on an estimated $71,672 in loans, with $25,987 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,402/month but save $13,518 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $53,000, monthly payments would represent 18% of gross monthly income.

Elementary Education Degree in Winston-Salem, NC — Salary & ROI 2026

Elementary Education degree analysis for Winston-Salem, NC. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$53K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$58K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.5 yrs

in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living

106

index (100 = avg)

Elementary Education in Winston-Salem, NC Overview

Winston-Salem is one of North Carolina's top college towns, with 26 institutions and a student population of 19,225. Public tuition averages $6,432/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Although national enrollment in Elementary Education has been declining, graduates with skills in Lesson Planning and Classroom Management remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Winston-Salem is approximately $53,000.

Elementary Education Salary in Winston-Salem (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living index of 106 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,000(+$3,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$58,300(+$3,300 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$65,720(+$3,720 vs national)

Note: National average Elementary Education salary: $50,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $62,000 senior level.Winston-Salem adjustment factor: 1.06x based on the local cost of living index.

Elementary Education ROI Calculator for Winston-Salem

Estimate your return on investment for a Elementary Education degree using local Winston-Salem tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $6,432 | Private avg: $60,894

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Winston-Salem avg aid: $16,995/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$71,672

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$15,900

vs HS diploma in Winston-Salem

ROI Payback Period

4.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Winston-Salem

$225,128

Lifetime earnings premium ($296,800) minus total education cost ($71,672)

Student Loan Payoff for Elementary Education in Winston-Salem

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$71,672

Monthly Payment$814

Total Interest$25,987

% of Monthly Income18%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$71,672

Monthly Payment$1,402

Total Interest$12,469

Interest Savings$13,518

Colleges in Winston-Salem for Elementary Education

Wake Forest University

private

$60,894/yr

$243,576 total

Winston-Salem State University

public

$6,432/yr

$25,728 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Forsyth Technical Community College

$2,864/yr

Top Employers for Elementary Education in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Elementary Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:

Public SchoolsPrivate SchoolsCharter SchoolsDepartment of EducationEducation Non-Profits

Key Winston-Salem Hiring Sectors for Education

School districts

Universities

EdTech companies

Non-profits

Training organizations

Common Elementary Education Job Titles

Elementary TeacherCurriculum DeveloperInstructional Coach

Elementary Education in Nearby North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC

$45K starting · COL 89

39 colleges

Raleigh, NC

$42K starting · COL 83

21 colleges

Greensboro, NC

$46K starting · COL 91

17 colleges

Durham, NC

$55K starting · COL 109

25 colleges

Fayetteville, NC

$45K starting · COL 90

15 colleges

Cary, NC

$54K starting · COL 108.5

7 colleges

Wilmington, NC

$48K starting · COL 95

5 colleges

High Point, NC

$42K starting · COL 84.5

5 colleges

Other Education Majors in Winston-Salem

Instructional Design & Technology

$53K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Educational Psychology

$53K starting · 5 yr ROI

Higher Education Administration

$53K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Special Education

$53K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Music Education

$53K starting · 6 yr ROI

Physical Education

$53K starting · 5 yr ROI

Early Childhood Education

$53K starting · 6 yr ROI

Education

$0 starting · 0 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Elementary Education degree outcomes in Winston-Salem, NC: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Elementary Education programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for North Carolina.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Winston-Salem using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Elementary Education graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Elementary Education career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Elementary Education grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Winston-Salem Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (North Carolina)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — North Carolina programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "north carolina higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Elementary Education Degree in Winston-Salem — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Elementary Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Winston-Salem.

Elementary Education Overview Colleges in Winston-Salem All Majors