Apple Valley vs St. Cloud: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Apple Valley, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,626 | $73,877▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.43 | $35.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,456▲ | $49,844 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,647▲ | $58,659 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,682▲ | $81,410 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,020▲ | $89,135 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 950▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and St. Cloud is $2,251 (3.14%). St. Cloud's median is +14.37% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $56,564,St. Cloud spans $39,291. Apple Valley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($84,304 effective) pays 15.93% more than Apple Valley ($72,717 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,020)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,877/year)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,304)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Apple Valley grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$68,759 (2024) → $70,931 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$56,400 (2019) → $73,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Apple Valley or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to St. Cloud as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Apple Valley vs St. Cloud?
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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.
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