If you’re considering changing direction and pursuing a career in education, the outlook for elementary teaching jobs in Texas is bright.
Texas has the second-highest population in the nation, with an estimated 31.3 million residents in 2024. And, the numbers are projected to only rise. By 2030, the population of the Lone Star State is expected to hit more than 35 million residents.
It should come as no surprise then that Texas needs elementary teachers. There is a significant shortage of candidates for several teaching disciplines.
Not all the news is bad, however. Because of this shortage, there are many opportunities available for educators who want to make a difference in the lives of Texas students.
If you’re considering entering the teaching profession, here’s what you need to know about:
The Texas Workforce Commission that the projected employment numbers for teachers will rise between now and 2030. Some of the areas that will see
The Texas Education Agency also expects the trend of urban and rural communities having the greatest need for teachers to continue. Urban areas often have trouble meeting the pay that suburban districts can afford to pay teachers, while rural communities have difficulty attracting candidates to areas located a significant distance from metropolitan areas.
While the job outlook for elementary teaching jobs looks promising across the board, there are a handful of key teaching areas that face a significant shortage of candidates.
This presents an opportunity for soon-to-be teachers to fulfill a district’s need while taking advantage of the benefits that come with teaching in a high-demand subject. In fact, Texas teachers may be eligible for loan forgiveness if they teach a subject matter designated as having a teacher shortage.
According to the Texas Education Agency, the 2025-2026 designated teacher shortage areas for the state, at the elementary level, include:
These subjects above also fall under the designated critical shortage areas at the elementary level. Teaching in these areas allows individuals to apply for TEACH grants and/or public service loan forgiveness.
A study found that the percentage of Texans speaking English less than “very well” increased by nearly 63% from 2000 to 2023. Nearly 35% of Texan homes now speak a language other than English.
The need for bilingual educators is so high that some districts are offering opportunities for teachers to earn a higher salary. And, Spanish-speaking candidates aren’t the only ones in demand. Some districts are seeking candidates who are fluent in other languages, including Chinese and Hindi.
In Texas, the need for special education teachers is great as well. In fact, about 1 in every 8 Texas public school students need special education services because of learning disabilities, speech delays and other qualifying factors.
As a special ed teacher, you’ll make a difference and enjoy a host of benefits, from great pay and benefits to creating meaningful bonds with students.
Though salaries vary by district, region, and level of experience, the average salary in Texas for an elementary school teacher during the 2024-2025 school
Grade levels can vary slightly. Kindergarten teachers typically make an average of $62,583, while educators who instruct students in grade 6 have an average salary of $63,113.
Teachers who lived in metropolitan areas tended to have higher salaries versus those who teach in rural districts.
There are often additional opportunities to earn extra income as well, from teaching summer school to tutoring and becoming a club adviser.
The outlook for elementary teaching jobs in Texas is bright. In addition to anticipated job growth in the state, the immediate outlook for elementary teachers includes higher pay and retirement contributions.
If you’re considering teaching elementary school students, the next step is to create your path to fulfilling your dream.
There are a handful of ways you can earn your teaching certification in Texas, including enrolling in an alternative education program. Nearly 50% of all new teachers are prepared through alternative programs, such as ECAP.
Perfect for college grads, those pursuing a career change who have a bachelor’s degree, stay-at-home parents and retirees returning to the workforce, military personnel entering a second career and professionals in the medical field such as nursing, an alternative teaching program offers:
For more information on the Texas teaching requirements of an alternative education program, our article, How To Become A Teacher With A Texas Alternative Certification Program, outlines what you need to know.