Garden Grove vs Riverside: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Garden Grove, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden Grove, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,503▲ | $99,485 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.28▲ | $47.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,290▲ | $62,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,559▲ | $78,774 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,203▲ | $126,902 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,879▲ | $132,132 |
| Total Employed | 37 | 18,850▲ |
Verdict
Garden Grove, CA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Garden Grove and Riverside is $3,018 (3.03%). Garden Grove's median is +58.68% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden Grove spans $85,589,Riverside spans $69,191. Garden 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, Riverside ($93,464 effective) pays 3.13% more than Garden Grove ($90,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,503/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,879)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (18,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,464)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Garden Grove grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.0% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Garden Grove, CA
$106,408 (2024) → $101,508 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$91,230 (2019) → $98,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden Grove, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Garden Grove or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden Grove and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Garden Grove to Riverside as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Garden Grove vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
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