Teacher Salary

Dallas vs Mesquite: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$65,708
$31.59/hr
Mesquite, TX
$60,483
$29.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXMesquite, TX
Median Salary$65,708$60,483
Hourly Rate$31.59$29.08
Entry Level (P10)$56,943$45,538
25th Percentile$63,375$54,398
75th Percentile$72,706$77,418
Top Earner (P90)$77,088$93,749
Total Employed27,35021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,708) and Mesquite ($60,483) elementary school teacher salaries.DallasMesquiteMedian Salary$65,708$60,483Entry Level (P10)$56,943$45,538Top Earner (P90)$77,088$93,749US Median $64,597

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesquite.

The salary gap between Dallas and Mesquite is $5,225 (8.64%). 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,Mesquite spans $48,211. Mesquite has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$56,943
P25$63,375
Median$65,708
P75$72,706
P90 (Top)$77,088
Mesquite
P10 (Entry)$45,538
P25$54,398
Median$60,483
P75$77,418
P90 (Top)$93,749

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($63,738 effective) pays 1.17% more than Mesquite ($63,003 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,708
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,738
Mesquite
Nominal: $60,483
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $63,003

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)
  • Larger job market (27,350 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,738)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Mesquite if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($93,749)
  • 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 -7.7% growth in Mesquite over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+12.2%

$58,020 (2019) → $65,070 (2025)

Mesquite, TX

+-7.7%

$64,886 (2024) → $59,896 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dallas has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $65,708/year, compared to Mesquite at $60,483/year — a difference of $5,225 (8.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Mesquite?

Dallas elementary school teachers earn $31.59/hr while Mesquite hygienists earn $29.08/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Mesquite. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,738, Mesquite = $63,003), job availability (27,350 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $56,943 in Dallas and $45,538 in Mesquite. 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