Forest Grove vs Portland: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forest Grove, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,483 | $83,137▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.33 | $39.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,832▲ | $50,763 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,301▲ | $64,042 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,436 | $105,292▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,899▲ | $108,705 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 7,530▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Portland is $9,654 (13.14%). Portland's median is +28.70% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $59,067,Portland spans $57,942. Forest Grove 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, Portland ($78,862 effective) pays 10.11% more than Forest Grove ($71,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,899)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,137/year)
- ✓Larger job market (7,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,862)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Forest Grove grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$78,133 (2024) → $72,770 (2025)
Portland, OR
$73,640 (2019) → $82,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Forest Grove or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Portland?
Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Portland 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