Elementary School Teacher Salary in Gallup, NM: $56,695 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Gallup, NM earns a median $56,695/year (≈ $27.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Gallup's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $60,058 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teachers in Gallup, New Mexico, earn a median annual salary of $56,695 in 2026, which is approximately 12.23% lower than the national median of $64,597. The salary range for teachers in this city varies significantly, with entry-level salaries starting around $46,798 and experienced teachers earning up to $87,186. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the local cost of living. Although Gallup's cost of living index sits at 94.4, making it below the national average, effective compensation should be viewed in the context of both local economic conditions and the broader educational job market within the region.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,798 | $22.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,464 | $25.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,695 | $27.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,595 | $34.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,186 | $41.92 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,388 (2026 est.). At $56,695, the local median is 12.23% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallup: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Gallup Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Gallup median: $56,695/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $60,963 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -12.23% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Gallup, NM earn a median of $56,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $60,963.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallup has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gallup, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $56,695 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,058 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,371
2025 BLS Actual
$56,145
2026 Current Est.
$56,695
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,371 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,486 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,889 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,144 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,416 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,695 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,251 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallup metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $52,371 (2019) to $56,145 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,251 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,880 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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) | $46,798 – $53,464 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,464 – $56,695 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,695 – $71,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,595 – $87,186 |
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 Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the job market for elementary school teachers reflects a modest employment landscape, with only four educators currently employed in the area. This low employment figure may indicate a constrained market but also reveals opportunities for competitive compensation within available positions. Additionally, the cost-of-living index of 94.4 affects take-home pay and purchasing power. Local school districts often rely on the step-and-lane pay structure influenced by experience and education levels, with various stipends available for teachers in high-demand subject areas like STEM and special education. For those aiming to maximize earnings, pursuing National Board Certification, engaging in summer or after-school programs, and capitalizing on district-specific bonuses can make a significant difference in overall teacher pay in Gallup.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
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 $56,145 for elementary school teachersin the Gallup 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 Gallup 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