College Station vs Houston: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between College Station, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | College Station, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,437 | $65,132▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.09 | $31.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,783▲ | $46,845 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,762 | $61,921▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,043 | $68,030▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,386 | $75,159▲ |
| Total Employed | 960 | 30,980▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to College Station.
The salary gap between College Station and Houston is $6,695 (11.46%). Houston's median is +0.83% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in College Station spans $11,603,Houston spans $28,314. Houston 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, Houston ($66,037 effective) pays 2.78% more than College Station ($64,251 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose College Station if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,132/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,159)
- ✓Larger job market (30,980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,037)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in College Station grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
College Station, TX
$47,210 (2019) → $57,870 (2025)
Houston, TX
$58,410 (2019) → $64,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
College Station, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: College Station or Houston?
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Should I relocate from College Station to Houston as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in College Station vs Houston?
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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