Teacher Salary

Brunswick vs Columbus: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Brunswick, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brunswick, GA
$76,270
$36.67/hr
Columbus, GA
$61,961
$29.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrunswick, GAColumbus, GA
Median Salary$76,270$61,961
Hourly Rate$36.67$29.79
Entry Level (P10)$55,388$48,400
25th Percentile$63,627$58,074
75th Percentile$98,556$74,543
Top Earner (P90)$102,273$77,825
Total Employed6201,340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brunswick ($76,270) and Columbus ($61,961) elementary school teacher salaries.BrunswickColumbusMedian Salary$76,270$61,961Entry Level (P10)$55,388$48,400Top Earner (P90)$102,273$77,825US Median $64,597

Verdict

Brunswick, GA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.

The salary gap between Brunswick and Columbus is $14,309 (23.09%). Brunswick's median is +18.07% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brunswick spans $46,885,Columbus spans $29,425. Brunswick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brunswick
P10 (Entry)$55,388
P25$63,627
Median$76,270
P75$98,556
P90 (Top)$102,273
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$48,400
P25$58,074
Median$61,961
P75$74,543
P90 (Top)$77,825

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Brunswick ($86,959 effective) pays 25.32% more than Columbus ($69,388 effective).

Brunswick
Nominal: $76,270
CoL Index: 87.708
Adjusted: $86,959
Columbus
Nominal: $61,961
CoL Index: 89.296
Adjusted: $69,388

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brunswick if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,270/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,273)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,959)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Larger job market (1,340 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Brunswick grew 3.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Brunswick, GA

+3.0%

$73,330 (2019) → $75,530 (2025)

Columbus, GA

+5.8%

$58,020 (2019) → $61,360 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Brunswick or Columbus?

Brunswick has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $76,270/year, compared to Columbus at $61,961/year — a difference of $14,309 (23.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brunswick and Columbus?

Brunswick elementary school teachers earn $36.67/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $29.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brunswick to Columbus as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brunswick and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brunswick = $86,959, Columbus = $69,388), job availability (620 vs 1,340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Brunswick vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $55,388 in Brunswick and $48,400 in Columbus. The Brunswick area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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