Greenville vs North Charleston: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Greenville, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,275 | $62,932▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.46 | $30.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,278▲ | $44,065 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,561 | $58,017▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,998 | $80,038▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,735 | $97,545▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,390▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Greenville and North Charleston is $1,657 (2.70%). North Charleston's median is -2.58% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $27,457,North Charleston spans $53,480. North Charleston 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, North Charleston ($68,778 effective) pays 4.68% more than Greenville ($65,703 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,932/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,545)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,778)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Greenville grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$46,360 (2019) → $60,680 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$54,743 (2024) → $62,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Greenville or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Greenville to North Charleston as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Greenville vs North Charleston?
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