Montgomery vs Phenix City: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Montgomery, AL and Phenix City, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montgomery, AL | Phenix City, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,194 | $60,573▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.94 | $29.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,372 | $48,908▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,713 | $56,756▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,911 | $74,633▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,402 | $93,227▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,560▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Phenix City, AL offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Montgomery.
The salary gap between Montgomery and Phenix City is $379 (0.63%). Phenix City's median is -6.23% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montgomery spans $32,030,Phenix City spans $44,319. Phenix City 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, Phenix City ($68,911 effective) pays 2.67% more than Montgomery ($67,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Phenix City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,573/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,227)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,911)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Montgomery grew 15.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Phenix City over the same period.
Montgomery, AL
$51,530 (2019) → $59,610 (2025)
Phenix City, AL
$47,572 (2024) → $59,985 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montgomery, AL
Phenix City, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Montgomery or Phenix City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Montgomery and Phenix City?
Should I relocate from Montgomery to Phenix City as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Montgomery vs Phenix City?
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