Bear vs Dover: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Bear, DE and Dover, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,956 | $75,816▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.26 | $36.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,865▲ | $49,763 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,841 | $60,507▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,824 | $79,138▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,343▲ | $90,256 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Dover is $12,860 (20.43%). Dover's median is +17.37% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $44,478,Dover spans $40,493. Bear 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, Dover ($77,754 effective) pays 25.61% more than Bear ($61,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,343)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,816/year)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,754)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Bear grew -5.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Dover over the same period.
Bear, DE
$66,273 (2024) → $62,345 (2025)
Dover, DE
$60,150 (2021) → $75,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Bear or Dover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Dover?
Should I relocate from Bear to Dover as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Bear vs Dover?
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