Dallas vs San Marcos: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Dallas, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,708▲ | $63,313 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.59▲ | $30.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,943▲ | $47,269 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,375▲ | $56,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,706 | $79,881▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,088 | $98,135▲ |
| Total Employed | 27,350▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Marcos.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Marcos is $2,395 (3.78%). 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,San Marcos spans $50,866. San Marcos 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, San Marcos ($65,951 effective) pays 3.47% more than Dallas ($63,738 effective).
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)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,135)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,951)
- ✓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 -5.2% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$58,020 (2019) → $65,070 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$66,134 (2024) → $62,699 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Dallas or San Marcos?
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Should I relocate from Dallas to San Marcos as a elementary school teacher?
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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