Eugene vs Happy Valley: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Eugene, OR and Happy Valley, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Happy Valley, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,890 | $71,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.19 | $34.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,440 | $55,671▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,790 | $65,076▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,733 | $86,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,436 | $110,947▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Happy Valley, OR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Happy Valley is $6,689 (10.31%). Happy Valley's median is +10.81% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $45,996,Happy Valley spans $55,276. Happy Valley 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, Happy Valley ($69,765 effective) pays 9.20% more than Eugene ($63,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Happy Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,947)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,765)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Eugene grew -2.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Happy Valley over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$66,000 (2019) → $64,260 (2025)
Happy Valley, OR
$76,108 (2024) → $70,884 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Happy Valley, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Eugene or Happy Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Happy Valley?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Happy Valley as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Eugene vs Happy Valley?
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