Elementary School Teacher Salary in Arecibo, PR: $61,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Arecibo, PR earns a median $61,830/year (≈ $29.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Puerto Rico's price level (25% below national, BEA RPP 75.0), that paycheck buys what $82,440 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% above the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the typical compensation for an elementary school teacher in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is projected at $61,830 annually. This figure reflects an adjustment against the backdrop of the national median of $64,597, resulting in a slight deficit of approximately 4.28%. The salary range for educators in this area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $31,243 and the highest earners approaching $75,563. These statistics are derived from the most recent official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys. Given Arecibo's status as a high-cost-of-living (HCOL) area, understanding how compensation aligns with local economic conditions is essential for those looking to enter or advance in the teaching profession.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,243 | $15.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,823 | $24.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,830 | $29.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,840 | $30.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,563 | $36.33 |
Median Salary Position
4.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arecibo
In Arecibo, PR, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,320 (2026 est.). At $61,830, the local median is 4.28% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arecibo: You'd be above the median
How Arecibo Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Arecibo median: $61,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arecibo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $57,144 | +8.20% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | -4.28% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Arecibo, PR earn a median of $61,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.28% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 8.20% above the Puerto Rico state average of $57,144.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,840
2025 BLS Actual
$61,230
2026 Current Est.
$61,830
2019–2027 Growth
+65.0%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Arecibo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,436 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arecibo metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 61.8% from $37,840 (2019) to $61,230 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,436 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,596 (65.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arecibo 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) | $31,243 – $51,823 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,823 – $61,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,830 – $62,840 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,840 – $75,563 |
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 Arecibo
With around 360 elementary school teachers employed in Arecibo, competition for competitive salaries remains intense. The financial realities educators face in the region—such as the high cost of living—can significantly impact overall earning potential. Public school districts generally adhere to a step-and-lane pay scale, which considers experience and educational qualifications. Notably, special education and STEM teachers often see additional stipends due to shortage areas. Among local employers, public K-12 schools typically offer the most competitive pay, followed by charter schools and private institutions. Educators looking to maximize their earnings in Arecibo should pursue advanced degrees, seek National Board Certification, and consider summer school or tutoring opportunities to augment their base salary. Understanding the localized factors influencing pay can empower teachers to make strategic career choices that enhance their financial stability in this market.
More salary data for Arecibo, PR:
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 $61,230 for elementary school teachersin the Arecibo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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