Teacher Salary

Lansing vs Romulus: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

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

Lansing, MI
$73,645
$35.40/hr
Romulus, MI
$59,822
$28.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MIRomulus, MI
Median Salary$73,645$59,822
Hourly Rate$35.40$28.76
Entry Level (P10)$47,844$48,841
25th Percentile$50,955$56,022
75th Percentile$78,855$73,906
Top Earner (P90)$86,984$91,400
Total Employed1,7305
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($73,645) and Romulus ($59,822) elementary school teacher salaries.LansingRomulusMedian Salary$73,645$59,822Entry Level (P10)$47,844$48,841Top Earner (P90)$86,984$91,400US Median $64,597

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lansing and Romulus is $13,823 (23.11%). 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,Romulus spans $42,559. Romulus 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
Romulus
P10 (Entry)$48,841
P25$56,022
Median$59,822
P75$73,906
P90 (Top)$91,400

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($77,528 effective) pays 20.79% more than Romulus ($64,187 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $73,645
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $77,528
Romulus
Nominal: $59,822
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $64,187

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 Romulus if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($91,400)
  • 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 Romulus over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+30.1%

$56,040 (2019) → $72,930 (2025)

Romulus, MI

+1.1%

$58,608 (2024) → $59,241 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Lansing or Romulus?

Lansing has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $73,645/year, compared to Romulus at $59,822/year — a difference of $13,823 (23.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Romulus?

Lansing elementary school teachers earn $35.40/hr while Romulus hygienists earn $28.76/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Romulus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $77,528, Romulus = $64,187), job availability (1,730 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $47,844 in Lansing and $48,841 in Romulus. The Romulus 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