Elementary School Teacher Salary in Mayaguez, PR: $52,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Mayaguez, PR earns a median $52,631/year (≈ $25.31/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 $70,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In the Mayaguez, PR area, elementary school teachers can expect a median annual salary of $52,631 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $64,597. The salary range for these educators spans from $22,054 at the lower end (P10) to $75,947 at the top (P90), reflecting the diverse compensation landscape shaped by local demand and funding availability. This data originates from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and highlights the impact of the high cost of living (HCOL) in urban districts. Teachers in Mayaguez must navigate these financial dynamics as they seek to balance their professional aspirations with the economic realities of working in an HCOL environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,054 | $10.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,228 | $22.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,631 | $25.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,072 | $30.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,947 | $36.51 |
Median Salary Position
18.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mayaguez
In Mayaguez, PR, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,893 (2026 est.). At $52,631, the local median is 18.52% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mayaguez: You'd be above the median
How Mayaguez Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Mayaguez median: $52,631/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mayaguez Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $57,145 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -18.52% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Mayaguez, PR earn a median of $52,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.52% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 7.90% below the Puerto Rico state average of $57,145.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,460
2025 BLS Actual
$52,120
2026 Current Est.
$52,631
2019–2027 Growth
+49.9%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Mayaguez (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,147 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mayaguez metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 47.0% from $35,460 (2019) to $52,120 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,147 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,687 (49.88%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mayaguez 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) | $22,054 – $47,228 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,228 – $52,631 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,631 – $63,072 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,072 – $75,947 |
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 Mayaguez
With approximately 210 elementary school teachers currently employed locally, the job market shows a steady demand for educators. However, salaries can vary significantly based on a teacher's experience, education level, and the type of institution they work for. Public school districts typically adhere to a step-and-lane pay scale, rewarding years of service and educational advancements, while some charter schools might offer competitive pay but with longer hours. Local living costs heavily influence effective earnings, which can diminish the real value of salaries for teachers here. To maximize compensation, educators should pursue additional credentials, seek positions in areas with shortages such as special education or STEM, and consider opportunities for summer or after-school contracts. Understanding these elements can empower teachers seeking to enhance their earnings potential in the Mayaguez market, where strategic career moves can set them apart in a challenging economic landscape.
More salary data for Mayaguez, 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 $52,120 for elementary school teachersin the Mayaguez 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