Chester vs Philadelphia: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Chester, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,813 | $79,340▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.97 | $38.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,721▲ | $59,225 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,099▲ | $61,901 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,179 | $98,365▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,143▲ | $101,929 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 23,380▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Philadelphia is $4,527 (6.05%). Philadelphia's median is +22.82% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $54,422,Philadelphia spans $42,704. Chester 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, Philadelphia ($77,364 effective) pays 0.72% more than Chester ($76,810 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,143)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,340/year)
- ✓Larger job market (23,380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,364)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Chester grew 9.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Chester, PA
$67,766 (2024) → $74,087 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$70,530 (2019) → $78,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Chester or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Chester to Philadelphia as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Chester vs Philadelphia?
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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