Elementary School Teacher Salary in Buckeye, AZ: $47,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Buckeye, AZ earns a median $47,618/year (≈ $22.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Buckeye's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $48,343 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teacher salaries in Buckeye, AZ, project to a median annual compensation of $47,618 in 2026, reflecting a notable gap of 26.28% compared to the national median of $64,597. These local salaries range from $37,227 at the 10th percentile to $73,808 at the 90th percentile, which can significantly vary based on experience, education level, and specific teaching roles. Preliminary estimates based on 2025 BLS data and local cost adjustments indicate that teachers in shortage areas, such as special education and STEM disciplines, may benefit from additional stipends that enhance their base pay, providing potential for higher earnings. While Buckeye's salary offerings are competitive for the region, the local job market's unique demands pose a challenge for attracting and retaining qualified educators in specialized fields.
About the Buckeye Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,227 | $17.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,747 | $21.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,618 | $22.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,375 | $28.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,808 | $35.48 |
Median Salary Position
26.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buckeye
In Buckeye, AZ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,581 (2026 est.). At $47,618, the local median is 26.28% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buckeye: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buckeye Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Buckeye median: $47,618/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buckeye Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $48,442 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -26.28% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Buckeye, AZ earn a median of $47,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.28% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.70% below the Arizona state average of $48,442.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buckeye has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buckeye, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $47,618 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,343 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,986
2025 BLS Actual
$47,156
2026 Current Est.
$47,618
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Buckeye (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,986 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,149 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,156 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,085 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buckeye metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $43,986 (2019) to $47,156 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,085 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,099 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buckeye metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,227 – $43,747 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,747 – $47,618 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,618 – $59,375 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,375 – $73,808 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Buckeye
Current job conditions reveal that 19 elementary school teachers are working in Buckeye, a community where the cost-of-living index sits at 98.5, indicating affordability compared to the national average. This context suggests that while salaries may seem modest against national standards, they are relatively adequate for meeting local living expenses. Among employers, K-12 public school districts lead in compensation, although charter schools may offer competitive pay structures to attract talent. The differences in salary can often be attributed to the district's step-and-lane pay system, along with incentive programs for teachers in high-demand subjects and for those taking on extra responsibilities through tutoring or coaching. For teachers aiming to maximize their earnings in Buckeye, a focus on obtaining National Board Certification or seeking advanced degrees can be advantageous strategies. Thus, understanding the local landscape and actively pursuing opportunities for professional development can help enhance overall pay.
More salary data for Buckeye, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,156 for elementary school teachersin the Buckeye metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buckeye is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
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