Oklahoma City vs Tahlequah: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tahlequah, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tahlequah, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,258 | $55,127▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.68 | $26.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,875▲ | $43,829 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,329 | $50,769▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,992 | $68,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,299 | $82,926▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,070▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Tahlequah, OK offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tahlequah is $5,869 (11.91%). Tahlequah's median is -14.66% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $33,424,Tahlequah spans $39,097. Tahlequah 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, Tahlequah ($62,010 effective) pays 13.81% more than Oklahoma City ($54,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tahlequah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,127/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,926)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,010)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Oklahoma City grew 12.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Tahlequah over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$43,290 (2019) → $48,780 (2025)
Tahlequah, OK
$44,377 (2024) → $54,592 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Tahlequah, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Oklahoma City or Tahlequah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Tahlequah?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Tahlequah as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Oklahoma City vs Tahlequah?
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