Dodge City vs Manhattan: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Dodge City, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dodge City, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,551▲ | $50,005 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.71▲ | $24.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,174 | $48,470▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,637▲ | $49,551 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,160▲ | $58,609 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,105▲ | $61,224 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Dodge City, KS offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Dodge City and Manhattan is $5,546 (11.09%). Dodge City's median is -14.00% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dodge City spans $42,931,Manhattan spans $12,754. Dodge City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dodge City ($61,112 effective) pays 10.19% more than Manhattan ($55,461 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dodge City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,105)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,112)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Dodge City grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -14.6% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Dodge City, KS
$49,878 (2024) → $55,012 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$57,990 (2019) → $49,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dodge City, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Dodge City or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dodge City and Manhattan?
Should I relocate from Dodge City to Manhattan as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Dodge City vs Manhattan?
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