Athens vs Cleveland: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,648 | $77,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.44 | $37.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,672▲ | $47,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,770▲ | $60,548 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,791 | $97,011▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,912▲ | $99,718 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 5,460▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $5,571 (7.78%). Cleveland's median is +19.54% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $53,240,Cleveland spans $52,358. Athens 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, Cleveland ($82,215 effective) pays 4.08% more than Athens ($78,994 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,912)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,219/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,215)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Athens grew 24.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$57,226 (2024) → $70,953 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$71,830 (2019) → $76,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Athens or Cleveland?
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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