Elementary School Teacher Salary in Houston, TX: $65,132 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Houston, TX earns a median $65,132/year (≈ $31.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Houston's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.6), that paycheck buys what $66,037 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the expected annual salary for elementary school teachers in Houston, Texas, is projected at $65,132, slightly above the national median of $64,597. The salary range for educators in this city varies considerably, from $46,845 at the 10th percentile to $75,159 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse compensation based on experience, education, and the institutional context. These figures, derived from the latest official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflect a competitive landscape for teachers within a robust job market. Houston's elementary school teachers benefit from a step-and-lane scale, where higher placements can be achieved through a master’s degree or additional coursework, offering an incentive for ongoing professional development. The overall environment for employment is healthy, reflecting strong demand for quality educators in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,845 | $22.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,921 | $29.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,132 | $31.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,030 | $32.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,159 | $36.13 |
Median Salary Position
0.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houston
In Houston, TX, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,314 (2026 est.). At $65,132, the local median is 0.83% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houston: You'd be above the median
How Houston Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Houston median: $65,132/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $60,871 | +7.00% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +0.83% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Houston, TX earn a median of $65,132 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 7.00% above the Texas state average of $60,871.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houston has a cost of living 1.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 98.629 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $65,132 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,037 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.39% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$58,410
2025 BLS Actual
$64,500
2026 Current Est.
$65,132
2019–2027 Growth
+12.6%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,132 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houston metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 10.4% from $58,410 (2019) to $64,500 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,360 (12.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston 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) | $46,845 – $61,921 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,921 – $65,132 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,132 – $68,030 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,030 – $75,159 |
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 Houston
|||
With nearly 30,980 elementary school teachers employed in the region, Houston showcases a solid job market for educators. The cost of living index for the city is 98.629, which is below the national average, providing a relative advantage in terms of purchasing power for teachers. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically follow a step-and-lane compensation model, providing predictable raises based on experience and education. Charter schools like KIPP may offer competitive pay but can also have less consistency due to differing operational budgets. Those specializing in STEM or special education often see higher salaries due to shortage area stipends. To maximize pay, educators can pursue advanced degrees, seek out positions in higher-paying districts, or capitalize on supplemental income opportunities such as summer school teaching or after-school programs. The hiring market remains particularly strong for teachers willing to engage in ongoing training and certification, positioning them well for the evolving education landscape in Houston.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Houston, TX in 2026?
Is Houston, TX a good place to work as a elementary school teacher?
Can elementary school teachers make $100K in Houston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted elementary school teacher salary in Houston?
How much does a elementary school teacher make per hour in Houston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $64,500 for elementary school teachersin the Houston 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