Teacher Salary

Brick vs Trenton: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Brick, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brick, NJ
$74,941
$36.03/hr
Trenton, NJ
$78,613
$37.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrick, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$74,941$78,613
Hourly Rate$36.03$37.80
Entry Level (P10)$55,222$63,446
25th Percentile$66,554$67,172
75th Percentile$95,646$100,748
Top Earner (P90)$116,159$103,060
Total Employed181,830
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brick ($74,941) and Trenton ($78,613) elementary school teacher salaries.BrickTrentonMedian Salary$74,941$78,613Entry Level (P10)$55,222$63,446Top Earner (P90)$116,159$103,060US Median $64,597

Verdict

Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brick.

The salary gap between Brick and Trenton is $3,672 (4.90%). Trenton's median is +21.70% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brick spans $60,937,Trenton spans $39,614. Brick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brick
P10 (Entry)$55,222
P25$66,554
Median$74,941
P75$95,646
P90 (Top)$116,159
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$63,446
P25$67,172
Median$78,613
P75$100,748
P90 (Top)$103,060

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($76,190 effective) pays 17.12% more than Brick ($65,053 effective).

Brick
Nominal: $74,941
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $65,053
Trenton
Nominal: $78,613
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $76,190

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brick if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($116,159)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,613/year)
  • Larger job market (1,830 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,190)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Brick grew -22.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Brick, NJ

+-22.0%

$95,132 (2024) → $74,214 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+15.3%

$67,540 (2019) → $77,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Brick or Trenton?

Trenton has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $78,613/year, compared to Brick at $74,941/year — a difference of $3,672 (4.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brick and Trenton?

Brick elementary school teachers earn $36.03/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $37.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brick to Trenton as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brick and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brick = $65,053, Trenton = $76,190), job availability (18 vs 1,830 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Brick vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $55,222 in Brick and $63,446 in Trenton. The Trenton area offers higher starting salaries.
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