Teacher Salary

Allentown vs Johnstown: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Allentown, PA and Johnstown, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allentown, PA
$79,815
$38.37/hr
Johnstown, PA
$71,999
$34.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllentown, PAJohnstown, PA
Median Salary$79,815$71,999
Hourly Rate$38.37$34.62
Entry Level (P10)$54,398$50,349
25th Percentile$63,365$59,720
75th Percentile$97,163$77,654
Top Earner (P90)$100,223$80,956
Total Employed4,260600
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allentown ($79,815) and Johnstown ($71,999) elementary school teacher salaries.AllentownJohnstownMedian Salary$79,815$71,999Entry Level (P10)$54,398$50,349Top Earner (P90)$100,223$80,956US Median $64,597

Verdict

Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnstown.

The salary gap between Allentown and Johnstown is $7,816 (10.86%). Allentown's median is +23.56% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $45,825,Johnstown spans $30,607. Allentown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Allentown
P10 (Entry)$54,398
P25$63,365
Median$79,815
P75$97,163
P90 (Top)$100,223
Johnstown
P10 (Entry)$50,349
P25$59,720
Median$71,999
P75$77,654
P90 (Top)$80,956

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Johnstown ($83,789 effective) pays 4.95% more than Allentown ($79,841 effective).

Allentown
Nominal: $79,815
CoL Index: 99.968
Adjusted: $79,841
Johnstown
Nominal: $71,999
CoL Index: 85.929
Adjusted: $83,789

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allentown if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,815/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,223)
  • Larger job market (4,260 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Johnstown if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,789)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Allentown grew 4.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Johnstown over the same period.

Allentown, PA

+4.2%

$75,830 (2019) → $79,040 (2025)

Johnstown, PA

+23.1%

$57,940 (2019) → $71,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Allentown or Johnstown?

Allentown has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $79,815/year, compared to Johnstown at $71,999/year — a difference of $7,816 (10.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Johnstown?

Allentown elementary school teachers earn $38.37/hr while Johnstown hygienists earn $34.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allentown to Johnstown as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allentown and Johnstown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allentown = $79,841, Johnstown = $83,789), job availability (4,260 vs 600 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Allentown vs Johnstown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $54,398 in Allentown and $50,349 in Johnstown. The Allentown area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov