Teacher Salary

Norfolk vs Omaha: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Norfolk, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Norfolk, NE
$55,047
$26.47/hr
Omaha, NE
$63,284
$30.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNorfolk, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$55,047$63,284
Hourly Rate$26.47$30.43
Entry Level (P10)$45,355$47,814
25th Percentile$52,025$51,762
75th Percentile$68,453$76,654
Top Earner (P90)$84,825$79,845
Total Employed64,030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Norfolk ($55,047) and Omaha ($63,284) elementary school teacher salaries.NorfolkOmahaMedian Salary$55,047$63,284Entry Level (P10)$45,355$47,814Top Earner (P90)$84,825$79,845US Median $64,597

Verdict

Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.

The salary gap between Norfolk and Omaha is $8,237 (14.96%). Omaha's median is -2.03% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $39,470,Omaha spans $32,031. Norfolk has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Norfolk
P10 (Entry)$45,355
P25$52,025
Median$55,047
P75$68,453
P90 (Top)$84,825
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$47,814
P25$51,762
Median$63,284
P75$76,654
P90 (Top)$79,845

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($68,854 effective) pays 14.45% more than Norfolk ($60,161 effective).

Norfolk
Nominal: $55,047
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $60,161
Omaha
Nominal: $63,284
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $68,854

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Norfolk if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($84,825)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,284/year)
  • Larger job market (4,030 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,854)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Norfolk grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Norfolk, NE

+3.2%

$52,833 (2024) → $54,513 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+5.5%

$59,380 (2019) → $62,670 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Norfolk or Omaha?

Omaha has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $63,284/year, compared to Norfolk at $55,047/year — a difference of $8,237 (14.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Omaha?

Norfolk elementary school teachers earn $26.47/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $30.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Norfolk to Omaha as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Norfolk and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Norfolk = $60,161, Omaha = $68,854), job availability (6 vs 4,030 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Norfolk vs Omaha?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $45,355 in Norfolk and $47,814 in Omaha. The Omaha area offers higher starting salaries.
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