Teacher Salary

Clinton Township vs Grand Rapids: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Clinton Township, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clinton Township, MI
$66,884
$32.15/hr
Grand Rapids, MI
$62,507
$30.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClinton Township, MIGrand Rapids, MI
Median Salary$66,884$62,507
Hourly Rate$32.15$30.05
Entry Level (P10)$48,998$47,935
25th Percentile$57,879$49,611
75th Percentile$85,258$79,380
Top Earner (P90)$103,670$82,218
Total Employed215,080
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clinton Township ($66,884) and Grand Rapids ($62,507) elementary school teacher salaries.Clinton TownshipGrand RapidsMedian Salary$66,884$62,507Entry Level (P10)$48,998$47,935Top Earner (P90)$103,670$82,218US Median $64,597

Verdict

Clinton Township, MI offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.

The salary gap between Clinton Township and Grand Rapids is $4,377 (7.00%). Clinton Township's median is +3.54% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton Township spans $54,672,Grand Rapids spans $34,283. Clinton Township has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Clinton Township
P10 (Entry)$48,998
P25$57,879
Median$66,884
P75$85,258
P90 (Top)$103,670
Grand Rapids
P10 (Entry)$47,935
P25$49,611
Median$62,507
P75$79,380
P90 (Top)$82,218

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Clinton Township ($71,764 effective) pays 9.70% more than Grand Rapids ($65,421 effective).

Clinton Township
Nominal: $66,884
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $71,764
Grand Rapids
Nominal: $62,507
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $65,421

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clinton Township if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,884/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,670)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,764)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Grand Rapids if…

  • Larger job market (5,080 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Clinton Township grew 1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.2% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.

Clinton Township, MI

+1.1%

$65,528 (2024) → $66,235 (2025)

Grand Rapids, MI

+4.2%

$59,390 (2019) → $61,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Clinton Township or Grand Rapids?

Clinton Township has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $66,884/year, compared to Grand Rapids at $62,507/year — a difference of $4,377 (7.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton Township and Grand Rapids?

Clinton Township elementary school teachers earn $32.15/hr while Grand Rapids hygienists earn $30.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clinton Township to Grand Rapids as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clinton Township and Grand Rapids. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clinton Township = $71,764, Grand Rapids = $65,421), job availability (21 vs 5,080 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Clinton Township vs Grand Rapids?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $48,998 in Clinton Township and $47,935 in Grand Rapids. The Clinton Township 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