Teacher Salary

Lansing vs Port Huron: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Lansing, MI and Port Huron, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$73,645
$35.40/hr
Port Huron, MI
$63,909
$30.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MIPort Huron, MI
Median Salary$73,645$63,909
Hourly Rate$35.40$30.73
Entry Level (P10)$47,844$48,953
25th Percentile$50,955$57,727
75th Percentile$78,855$80,527
Top Earner (P90)$86,984$98,708
Total Employed1,7306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($73,645) and Port Huron ($63,909) elementary school teacher salaries.LansingPort HuronMedian Salary$73,645$63,909Entry Level (P10)$47,844$48,953Top Earner (P90)$86,984$98,708US Median $64,597

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Huron.

The salary gap between Lansing and Port Huron is $9,736 (15.23%). Lansing's median is +14.01% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $39,140,Port Huron spans $49,755. Port Huron has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$47,844
P25$50,955
Median$73,645
P75$78,855
P90 (Top)$86,984
Port Huron
P10 (Entry)$48,953
P25$57,727
Median$63,909
P75$80,527
P90 (Top)$98,708

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($77,528 effective) pays 13.06% more than Port Huron ($68,572 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $73,645
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $77,528
Port Huron
Nominal: $63,909
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $68,572

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($73,645/year)
  • Larger job market (1,730 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,528)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Port Huron if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($98,708)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Lansing grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Port Huron over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+30.1%

$56,040 (2019) → $72,930 (2025)

Port Huron, MI

+1.1%

$62,613 (2024) → $63,289 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Lansing or Port Huron?

Lansing has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $73,645/year, compared to Port Huron at $63,909/year — a difference of $9,736 (15.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Port Huron?

Lansing elementary school teachers earn $35.40/hr while Port Huron hygienists earn $30.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Port Huron as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Port Huron. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $77,528, Port Huron = $68,572), job availability (1,730 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Lansing vs Port Huron?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $47,844 in Lansing and $48,953 in Port Huron. The Port Huron 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