Teacher Salary

Garner vs Greensboro: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Garner, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Garner, NC
$49,793
$23.94/hr
Greensboro, NC
$60,315
$29.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGarner, NCGreensboro, NC
Median Salary$49,793$60,315
Hourly Rate$23.94$29.00
Entry Level (P10)$39,612$47,097
25th Percentile$46,219$49,935
75th Percentile$63,736$62,628
Top Earner (P90)$77,180$63,870
Total Employed42,590
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Garner ($49,793) and Greensboro ($60,315) elementary school teacher salaries.GarnerGreensboroMedian Salary$49,793$60,315Entry Level (P10)$39,612$47,097Top Earner (P90)$77,180$63,870US Median $64,597

Verdict

Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Garner.

The salary gap between Garner and Greensboro is $10,522 (21.13%). Greensboro's median is -6.63% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garner spans $37,568,Greensboro spans $16,773. Garner has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Garner
P10 (Entry)$39,612
P25$46,219
Median$49,793
P75$63,736
P90 (Top)$77,180
Greensboro
P10 (Entry)$47,097
P25$49,935
Median$60,315
P75$62,628
P90 (Top)$63,870

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($64,949 effective) pays 22.09% more than Garner ($53,198 effective).

Garner
Nominal: $49,793
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $53,198
Greensboro
Nominal: $60,315
CoL Index: 92.865
Adjusted: $64,949

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Garner if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($77,180)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Greensboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,315/year)
  • Larger job market (2,590 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,949)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Garner grew -5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Greensboro over the same period.

Garner, NC

+-5.3%

$52,080 (2024) → $49,310 (2025)

Greensboro, NC

+21.2%

$49,280 (2019) → $59,730 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Garner or Greensboro?

Greensboro has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $60,315/year, compared to Garner at $49,793/year — a difference of $10,522 (21.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Garner and Greensboro?

Garner elementary school teachers earn $23.94/hr while Greensboro hygienists earn $29.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Garner to Greensboro as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Garner and Greensboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Garner = $53,198, Greensboro = $64,949), job availability (4 vs 2,590 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Garner vs Greensboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $39,612 in Garner and $47,097 in Greensboro. The Greensboro area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

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