Frankfort vs Louisville: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Frankfort, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Frankfort, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,058 | $67,954▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.35 | $32.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,899 | $47,084▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,508 | $58,277▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,218 | $86,982▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,639 | $105,329▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Frankfort.
The salary gap between Frankfort and Louisville is $6,896 (11.29%). Louisville's median is +5.20% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Frankfort spans $48,740,Louisville spans $58,245. Louisville 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, Louisville ($76,096 effective) pays 11.29% more than Frankfort ($68,374 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Frankfort if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,954/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,329)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,096)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Frankfort grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Frankfort, KY
$50,737 (2024) → $60,465 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$56,468 (2024) → $67,295 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frankfort, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Frankfort or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Frankfort and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Frankfort to Louisville as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Frankfort vs Louisville?
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