SalaryByCity

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education vs Food Service Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

$62,340

Median annual salary

1,393,310 employed nationally

Food Service Managers

$65,310

Median annual salary

244,230 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Food Service Managers professionals earn $2,970 more per year than Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education professionals — that's 4.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education earns $102,010 compared to $105,420 for Food Service Managers.

Salary Range Comparison

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$46,440 – $102,010
Food Service Managers$42,380 – $105,420
$42,380$105,420

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileElementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationFood Service ManagersDifference
10th Percentile$46,440$42,380+$4,060
25th Percentile$50,680$53,090$-2,410
Median (50th)$62,340$65,310$-2,970
75th Percentile$79,410$82,300$-2,890
90th Percentile$102,010$105,420$-3,410
Mean (Average)$69,790$72,370$-2,580

Employment Numbers

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

1,393,310

employed nationwide

Food Service Managers

244,230

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

CityMedian
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$100,580
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$99,970
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$99,780
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$98,890
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$98,270

Best Cities for Food Service Managers

CityMedian
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$95,540
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH$86,840
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$84,180
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$82,570
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$82,400

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education or Food Service Managers?
Food Service Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $2,970 (4.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salaries range from $46,440 (10th percentile) to $102,010 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,340.
What is the salary range for Food Service Managers?
Food Service Managers salaries range from $42,380 (10th percentile) to $105,420 (90th percentile), with a median of $65,310.
How many Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education and Food Service Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 1,393,310 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education positions and 244,230 Food Service Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Food Service Managers to Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education has a median salary of $62,340 while Food Service Managers earns $65,310. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

Career Resources

Career Change Resources

Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.

Professional Certifications

Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.

Online Degree Programs

Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.

Resume Writing Services

Get professional help crafting a standout resume.

Explore More

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS