Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Birmingham, AL and Vestavia Hills, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Vestavia Hills, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,244▲ | $59,097 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.41▲ | $28.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,167▲ | $45,556 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,520 | $53,593▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,564 | $74,580▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,775 | $91,600▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,340▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vestavia Hills.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills is $4,147 (7.02%). Birmingham's median is -2.09% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $26,608,Vestavia Hills spans $46,044. Vestavia Hills has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($69,011 effective) pays 2.65% more than Vestavia Hills ($67,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,244/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,011)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Vestavia Hills if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,600)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Birmingham grew 18.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Vestavia Hills over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$53,080 (2019) → $62,630 (2025)
Vestavia Hills, AL
$46,413 (2024) → $58,523 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Vestavia Hills, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Birmingham or Vestavia Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Vestavia Hills as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills?
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