Teacher Salary

Hoover vs Montgomery: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Hoover, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hoover, AL
$62,153
$29.88/hr
Montgomery, AL
$60,194
$28.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHoover, ALMontgomery, AL
Median Salary$62,153$60,194
Hourly Rate$29.88$28.94
Entry Level (P10)$46,315$41,372
25th Percentile$55,394$48,713
75th Percentile$79,522$62,911
Top Earner (P90)$96,338$73,402
Total Employed171,560
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hoover ($62,153) and Montgomery ($60,194) elementary school teacher salaries.HooverMontgomeryMedian Salary$62,153$60,194Entry Level (P10)$46,315$41,372Top Earner (P90)$96,338$73,402US Median $64,597

Verdict

Hoover, AL offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Montgomery.

The salary gap between Hoover and Montgomery is $1,959 (3.25%). Hoover's median is -3.78% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hoover spans $50,023,Montgomery spans $32,030. Hoover has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hoover
P10 (Entry)$46,315
P25$55,394
Median$62,153
P75$79,522
P90 (Top)$96,338
Montgomery
P10 (Entry)$41,372
P25$48,713
Median$60,194
P75$62,911
P90 (Top)$73,402

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hoover ($70,709 effective) pays 5.35% more than Montgomery ($67,119 effective).

Hoover
Nominal: $62,153
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $70,709
Montgomery
Nominal: $60,194
CoL Index: 89.682
Adjusted: $67,119

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hoover if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,153/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($96,338)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,709)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Montgomery if…

  • Larger job market (1,560 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Hoover grew 26.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Montgomery over the same period.

Hoover, AL

+26.1%

$48,813 (2024) → $61,550 (2025)

Montgomery, AL

+15.7%

$51,530 (2019) → $59,610 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Hoover or Montgomery?

Hoover has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $62,153/year, compared to Montgomery at $60,194/year — a difference of $1,959 (3.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hoover and Montgomery?

Hoover elementary school teachers earn $29.88/hr while Montgomery hygienists earn $28.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hoover to Montgomery as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hoover and Montgomery. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hoover = $70,709, Montgomery = $67,119), job availability (17 vs 1,560 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Hoover vs Montgomery?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $46,315 in Hoover and $41,372 in Montgomery. The Hoover area offers higher starting salaries.
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