Teacher Salary

Dallas vs Amarillo: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Dallas, TX and Amarillo, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$65,708
$31.59/hr
Amarillo, TX
$61,769
$29.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXAmarillo, TX
Median Salary$65,708$61,769
Hourly Rate$31.59$29.70
Entry Level (P10)$56,943$51,399
25th Percentile$63,375$58,023
75th Percentile$72,706$61,769
Top Earner (P90)$77,088$62,941
Total Employed27,350960
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,708) and Amarillo ($61,769) elementary school teacher salaries.DallasAmarilloMedian Salary$65,708$61,769Entry Level (P10)$56,943$51,399Top Earner (P90)$77,088$62,941US Median $64,597

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amarillo.

The salary gap between Dallas and Amarillo is $3,939 (6.38%). Dallas's median is +1.72% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $20,145,Amarillo spans $11,542. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$56,943
P25$63,375
Median$65,708
P75$72,706
P90 (Top)$77,088
Amarillo
P10 (Entry)$51,399
P25$58,023
Median$61,769
P75$61,769
P90 (Top)$62,941

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Amarillo ($67,272 effective) pays 5.54% more than Dallas ($63,738 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,708
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,738
Amarillo
Nominal: $61,769
CoL Index: 91.82
Adjusted: $67,272

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,708/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($77,088)
  • Larger job market (27,350 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Amarillo if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,272)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Dallas grew 12.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Amarillo over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+12.2%

$58,020 (2019) → $65,070 (2025)

Amarillo, TX

+5.8%

$57,810 (2019) → $61,170 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Dallas or Amarillo?

Dallas has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $65,708/year, compared to Amarillo at $61,769/year — a difference of $3,939 (6.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Amarillo?

Dallas elementary school teachers earn $31.59/hr while Amarillo hygienists earn $29.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Amarillo as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Amarillo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,738, Amarillo = $67,272), job availability (27,350 vs 960 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Dallas vs Amarillo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $56,943 in Dallas and $51,399 in Amarillo. The Dallas 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