Cedar City vs Salt Lake City: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Cedar City, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar City, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,834 | $78,684▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.54 | $37.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,862▲ | $49,622 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,547▲ | $62,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,739 | $98,617▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,938▲ | $103,515 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 4,840▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar City.
The salary gap between Cedar City and Salt Lake City is $6,850 (9.54%). Salt Lake City's median is +21.81% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar City spans $56,076,Salt Lake City spans $53,893. Cedar City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salt Lake City ($78,007 effective) pays 6.53% more than Cedar City ($73,225 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,938)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,684/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,007)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Cedar City grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.3% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Cedar City, UT
$60,010 (2024) → $71,137 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$51,150 (2019) → $77,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Cedar City or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar City and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Cedar City to Salt Lake City as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Cedar City vs Salt Lake City?
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
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