Ponce vs San Juan: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Ponce, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponce, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,245▲ | $51,803 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.96▲ | $24.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,183 | $30,536▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,863▲ | $47,208 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,587▲ | $62,264 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,594 | $74,947▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 2,760▲ |
Verdict
Ponce and San Juan are closely matched on overall elementary school teacher compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ponce and San Juan is $8,442 (16.30%). Ponce's median is -6.74% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponce spans $44,411,San Juan spans $44,411. San Juan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,245/year)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,947)
- ✓Larger job market (2,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Ponce grew 64.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.6% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Ponce, PR
$36,330 (2019) → $59,660 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$35,000 (2019) → $51,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Ponce or San Juan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ponce and San Juan?
Should I relocate from Ponce to San Juan as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Ponce vs San Juan?
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