Elementary School Teacher Salary in Ardmore, OK: $54,346 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Ardmore, OK earns a median $54,346/year (≈ $26.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Ardmore's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $61,132 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ardmore, Oklahoma, elementary school teachers can anticipate a median annual salary of $54,346 by 2026, reflecting a notable difference from the national average of $64,597. Salaries in this region cover a range from $42,037 at the lower end (P10) to $84,237 at the higher end (P90), highlighting the pay variability based on experience and specialization. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate that teacher shortage stipends—particularly for special education, STEM, and bilingual education—can significantly enhance base salaries. Such incentives are crucial in attracting and retaining talent in a competitive job market. For educators considering their options, understanding the compensation landscape is vital for making informed decisions about their careers in Ardmore.
About the Ardmore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,037 | $20.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,561 | $23.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,346 | $26.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,852 | $33.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,237 | $40.50 |
Median Salary Position
15.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ardmore
In Ardmore, OK, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,200 (2026 est.). At $54,346, the local median is 15.87% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ardmore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ardmore Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Ardmore median: $54,346/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ardmore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $57,449 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -15.87% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Ardmore, OK earn a median of $54,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.87% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 5.40% below the Oklahoma state average of $57,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ardmore has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ardmore, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $54,346 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,132 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,201
2025 BLS Actual
$53,819
2026 Current Est.
$54,346
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Ardmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,749 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,346 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,879 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ardmore metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $50,201 (2019) to $53,819 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,879 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,678 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ardmore 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) | $42,037 – $49,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,561 – $54,346 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,346 – $68,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,852 – $84,237 |
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 Ardmore
Analyzing the local job market, only seven elementary school teachers are currently employed in Ardmore, suggesting a tight-knit community that could influence hiring practices and salary negotiations. The cost of living in Ardmore is relatively lower, with a cost-of-living index of 88.9, meaning that the take-home purchasing power for teachers may stretch further than in high-cost areas. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer competitive salaries, while private and charter schools often vary significantly in their pay scales. Factors such as the district step-and-lane pay structure, availability of shortage area stipends, summer contracts, and after-school opportunities all contribute to the pay differences in the area. Aspiring teachers would benefit from pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, such as National Board Certification, to maximize their earnings potential in Ardmore's teaching environment.
More salary data for Ardmore, OK:
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 $53,819 for elementary school teachersin the Ardmore 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 Ardmore 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