Columbia vs Tega Cay: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Columbia, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,638▲ | $56,746 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.15▲ | $27.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,642▲ | $46,044 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,207 | $52,978▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,264 | $69,995▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,755 | $86,317▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,360▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tega Cay.
The salary gap between Columbia and Tega Cay is $3,892 (6.86%). Columbia's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $28,113,Tega Cay spans $40,273. Tega Cay 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, Columbia ($64,741 effective) pays 4.39% more than Tega Cay ($62,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,638/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,741)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Tega Cay if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,317)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Columbia grew 4.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Tega Cay over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$57,360 (2019) → $60,050 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$48,962 (2024) → $56,195 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Columbia or Tega Cay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Tega Cay?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Tega Cay as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Columbia vs Tega Cay?
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