Teacher Salary

Avondale vs Phoenix: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Avondale, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avondale, AZ
$49,038
$23.58/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$59,760
$28.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvondale, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$49,038$59,760
Hourly Rate$23.58$28.73
Entry Level (P10)$36,737$47,854
25th Percentile$43,851$49,319
75th Percentile$62,768$67,828
Top Earner (P90)$76,009$82,319
Total Employed1416,560
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avondale ($49,038) and Phoenix ($59,760) elementary school teacher salaries.AvondalePhoenixMedian Salary$49,038$59,760Entry Level (P10)$36,737$47,854Top Earner (P90)$76,009$82,319US Median $64,597

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Avondale.

The salary gap between Avondale and Phoenix is $10,722 (21.86%). Phoenix's median is -7.49% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avondale spans $39,272,Phoenix spans $34,465. Avondale has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Avondale
P10 (Entry)$36,737
P25$43,851
Median$49,038
P75$62,768
P90 (Top)$76,009
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$47,854
P25$49,319
Median$59,760
P75$67,828
P90 (Top)$82,319

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($57,842 effective) pays 16.18% more than Avondale ($49,785 effective).

Avondale
Nominal: $49,038
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $49,785
Phoenix
Nominal: $59,760
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $57,842

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avondale if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,760/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,319)
  • Larger job market (16,560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,842)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Avondale grew -16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Avondale, AZ

+-16.0%

$57,823 (2024) → $48,562 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+29.6%

$45,660 (2019) → $59,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Avondale or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $59,760/year, compared to Avondale at $49,038/year — a difference of $10,722 (21.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avondale and Phoenix?

Avondale elementary school teachers earn $23.58/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $28.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avondale to Phoenix as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avondale and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avondale = $49,785, Phoenix = $57,842), job availability (14 vs 16,560 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Avondale vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $36,737 in Avondale and $47,854 in Phoenix. The Phoenix 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