Staunton vs Virginia Beach: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Staunton, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Staunton, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,275 | $64,001▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.46 | $30.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,531▲ | $49,389 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,518 | $60,891▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,400 | $83,157▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,629 | $101,273▲ |
| Total Employed | 560 | 7,130▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Staunton.
The salary gap between Staunton and Virginia Beach is $2,726 (4.45%). Virginia Beach's median is -0.92% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Staunton spans $42,098,Virginia Beach spans $51,884. Virginia Beach 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, Staunton ($67,241 effective) pays 2.90% more than Virginia Beach ($65,346 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Staunton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,241)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,001/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,273)
- ✓Larger job market (7,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Staunton grew 24.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Staunton, VA
$48,650 (2019) → $60,680 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$72,380 (2019) → $63,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Staunton, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Staunton or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Staunton and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Staunton to Virginia Beach as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Staunton vs Virginia Beach?
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