Miami vs St. Petersburg: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Miami, FL and St. Petersburg, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | St. Petersburg, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,871 | $60,381▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.30 | $29.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,389▲ | $45,127 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,812 | $54,266▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,022 | $77,285▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,240 | $93,590▲ |
| Total Employed | 19,910▲ | 42 |
Verdict
St. Petersburg, FL offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami.
The salary gap between Miami and St. Petersburg is $1,510 (2.56%). St. Petersburg's median is -6.53% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $26,851,St. Petersburg spans $48,463. St. Petersburg 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, St. Petersburg ($59,902 effective) pays 16.15% more than Miami ($51,571 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Larger job market (19,910 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose St. Petersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,381/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,590)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,902)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Miami grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.2% growth in St. Petersburg over the same period.
Miami, FL
$48,790 (2019) → $58,300 (2025)
St. Petersburg, FL
$59,893 (2024) → $59,795 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Petersburg, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Miami or St. Petersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and St. Petersburg?
Should I relocate from Miami to St. Petersburg as a elementary school teacher?
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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