Charleston vs Lexington: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Charleston, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,618▲ | $58,097 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.63▲ | $27.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,622▲ | $44,316 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,709▲ | $52,324 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,694▲ | $71,051 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,643 | $87,594▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,670▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Lexington is $3,521 (6.06%). Charleston's median is -4.61% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $30,021,Lexington spans $43,278. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($63,494 effective) pays 4.04% more than Charleston ($61,031 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,618/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,594)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,494)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Charleston grew 19.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$51,130 (2019) → $61,020 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$50,127 (2024) → $57,533 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Charleston or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Lexington as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Charleston vs Lexington?
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