Arecibo vs Ponce: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Arecibo, PR and Ponce, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arecibo, PR | Ponce, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,830▲ | $60,245 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.73▲ | $28.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,243▲ | $30,183 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,823 | $51,863▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,840 | $63,587▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,563▲ | $74,594 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Arecibo, PR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between Arecibo and Ponce is $1,585 (2.63%). Arecibo's median is -4.28% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $44,320,Ponce spans $44,411. Ponce has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arecibo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,830/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,563)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Arecibo grew 61.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 64.2% growth in Ponce over the same period.
Arecibo, PR
$37,840 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)
Ponce, PR
$36,330 (2019) → $59,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arecibo, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Arecibo or Ponce?
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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