Chapel Hill vs Charlotte: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,338 | $59,255▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.16 | $28.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,036 | $47,743▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,923 | $48,915▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,240▲ | $61,729 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,124▲ | $76,250 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 10,770▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chapel Hill.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Charlotte is $6,917 (13.22%). Charlotte's median is -8.27% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $43,088,Charlotte spans $28,507. Chapel Hill 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, Charlotte ($60,869 effective) pays 8.86% more than Chapel Hill ($55,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,124)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,255/year)
- ✓Larger job market (10,770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,869)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Chapel Hill grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$54,194 (2024) → $51,830 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$49,440 (2019) → $58,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Charlotte, NC
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
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