Teacher Salary

Lansing vs Warren: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

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

Lansing, MI
$73,645
$35.40/hr
Warren, MI
$65,278
$31.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MIWarren, MI
Median Salary$73,645$65,278
Hourly Rate$35.40$31.38
Entry Level (P10)$47,844$49,885
25th Percentile$50,955$59,268
75th Percentile$78,855$83,555
Top Earner (P90)$86,984$101,180
Total Employed1,73027
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($73,645) and Warren ($65,278) elementary school teacher salaries.LansingWarrenMedian Salary$73,645$65,278Entry Level (P10)$47,844$49,885Top Earner (P90)$86,984$101,180US Median $64,597

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lansing and Warren is $8,367 (12.82%). 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,Warren spans $51,295. Warren 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
Warren
P10 (Entry)$49,885
P25$59,268
Median$65,278
P75$83,555
P90 (Top)$101,180

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($77,528 effective) pays 10.69% more than Warren ($70,041 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $73,645
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $77,528
Warren
Nominal: $65,278
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $70,041

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 Warren if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($101,180)
  • 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 1.9% growth in Warren over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+30.1%

$56,040 (2019) → $72,930 (2025)

Warren, MI

+1.9%

$63,454 (2024) → $64,644 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lansing has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $73,645/year, compared to Warren at $65,278/year — a difference of $8,367 (12.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Warren?

Lansing elementary school teachers earn $35.40/hr while Warren hygienists earn $31.38/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Warren. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $77,528, Warren = $70,041), job availability (1,730 vs 27 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $47,844 in Lansing and $49,885 in Warren. The Warren 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