Elementary School Teacher Salary in Ponca City, OK: $53,353 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Ponca City, OK earns a median $53,353/year (≈ $25.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Ponca City's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $60,015 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in Ponca City, Oklahoma, stands at $53,353. This figure offers a notable contrast to the national median of $64,597, underlining a regional pay gap of about 17.41%. Salaries in Ponca City range from $43,974 at the 10th percentile to $81,974 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variances based on experience, education, and the need for specialized skills. Special education, STEM, and bilingual teachers may receive additional stipends for shortage areas, potentially enhancing their base compensation. Data derived from BLS state-level statistics and regional price adjustments indicate that Ponca City's pricing levels influence teacher salaries, creating unique challenges and opportunities within the local job market.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,974 | $21.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,265 | $24.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,353 | $25.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,197 | $31.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,974 | $39.41 |
Median Salary Position
17.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ponca City
In Ponca City, OK, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,000 (2026 est.). At $53,353, the local median is 17.41% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ponca City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ponca City Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Ponca City median: $53,353/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ponca City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $57,430 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -17.41% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Ponca City, OK earn a median of $53,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $57,430.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ponca City 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.
Ponca City, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $53,353 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,015 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,283
2025 BLS Actual
$52,835
2026 Current Est.
$53,353
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,283 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,332 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,952 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,595 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,353 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,876 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ponca City metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $49,283 (2019) to $52,835 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,876 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,593 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ponca City 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) | $43,974 – $50,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,265 – $53,353 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,353 – $66,197 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,197 – $81,974 |
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 Ponca City
Despite a relatively modest compensation framework, Ponca City offers an enticing cost of living index of 88.9, meaning that purchasing power can be somewhat favorable compared to more expensive regions. Currently, only four elementary school teachers are employed locally, a number that may suggest limited job availability or a competitive environment. Public school districts generally follow a step-and-lane pay structure, which rewards longevity and education level, but the array of local employers—from charter schools to parochial institutions—can create discrepancies in pay. Experienced educators in Ponca City can maximize their earnings by pursuing advanced degrees or acquiring National Board Certification, along with seeking opportunities in areas experiencing teacher shortages. This strategy becomes crucial as teachers navigate the varied pay scales while striving to attain a more sustainable living within the local economic landscape.
More salary data for Ponca City, 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 $52,835 for elementary school teachersin the Ponca City 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 Ponca City 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