Teacher Salary

Apex vs Greensboro: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Apex, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Apex, NC
$52,254
$25.12/hr
Greensboro, NC
$60,315
$29.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricApex, NCGreensboro, NC
Median Salary$52,254$60,315
Hourly Rate$25.12$29.00
Entry Level (P10)$38,691$47,097
25th Percentile$48,377$49,935
75th Percentile$65,527$62,628
Top Earner (P90)$80,994$63,870
Total Employed162,590
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Apex ($52,254) and Greensboro ($60,315) elementary school teacher salaries.ApexGreensboroMedian Salary$52,254$60,315Entry Level (P10)$38,691$47,097Top Earner (P90)$80,994$63,870US Median $64,597

Verdict

Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apex.

The salary gap between Apex and Greensboro is $8,061 (15.43%). Greensboro's median is -6.63% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $42,303,Greensboro spans $16,773. Apex has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Apex
P10 (Entry)$38,691
P25$48,377
Median$52,254
P75$65,527
P90 (Top)$80,994
Greensboro
P10 (Entry)$47,097
P25$49,935
Median$60,315
P75$62,628
P90 (Top)$63,870

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($64,949 effective) pays 16.34% more than Apex ($55,827 effective).

Apex
Nominal: $52,254
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $55,827
Greensboro
Nominal: $60,315
CoL Index: 92.865
Adjusted: $64,949

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Apex if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($80,994)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Greensboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,315/year)
  • Larger job market (2,590 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,949)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Apex grew -5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Greensboro over the same period.

Apex, NC

+-5.3%

$54,654 (2024) → $51,747 (2025)

Greensboro, NC

+21.2%

$49,280 (2019) → $59,730 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Apex or Greensboro?

Greensboro has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $60,315/year, compared to Apex at $52,254/year — a difference of $8,061 (15.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Apex and Greensboro?

Apex elementary school teachers earn $25.12/hr while Greensboro hygienists earn $29.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Apex to Greensboro as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Apex and Greensboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Apex = $55,827, Greensboro = $64,949), job availability (16 vs 2,590 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Apex vs Greensboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $38,691 in Apex and $47,097 in Greensboro. The Greensboro 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