Teacher Salary

Highland vs Provo: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Highland, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Highland, UT
$68,518
$32.94/hr
Provo, UT
$63,547
$30.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHighland, UTProvo, UT
Median Salary$68,518$63,547
Hourly Rate$32.94$30.55
Entry Level (P10)$52,134$49,521
25th Percentile$65,638$55,064
75th Percentile$83,502$80,976
Top Earner (P90)$102,832$98,981
Total Employed43,420
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Highland ($68,518) and Provo ($63,547) elementary school teacher salaries.HighlandProvoMedian Salary$68,518$63,547Entry Level (P10)$52,134$49,521Top Earner (P90)$102,832$98,981US Median $64,597

Verdict

Highland, UT offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Provo.

The salary gap between Highland and Provo is $4,971 (7.82%). Highland's median is +6.07% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Highland spans $50,698,Provo spans $49,460. Highland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Highland
P10 (Entry)$52,134
P25$65,638
Median$68,518
P75$83,502
P90 (Top)$102,832
Provo
P10 (Entry)$49,521
P25$55,064
Median$63,547
P75$80,976
P90 (Top)$98,981

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Highland ($69,845 effective) pays 7.97% more than Provo ($64,691 effective).

Highland
Nominal: $68,518
CoL Index: 98.1
Adjusted: $69,845
Provo
Nominal: $63,547
CoL Index: 98.232
Adjusted: $64,691

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Highland if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,518/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,832)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,845)
  • You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle

Choose Provo if…

  • Larger job market (3,420 employed)
  • You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Highland grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.4% growth in Provo over the same period.

Highland, UT

+18.5%

$57,239 (2024) → $67,853 (2025)

Provo, UT

+5.4%

$59,720 (2019) → $62,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Highland or Provo?

Highland has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $68,518/year, compared to Provo at $63,547/year — a difference of $4,971 (7.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Highland and Provo?

Highland elementary school teachers earn $32.94/hr while Provo hygienists earn $30.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Highland to Provo as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Highland and Provo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Highland = $69,845, Provo = $64,691), job availability (4 vs 3,420 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Highland vs Provo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $52,134 in Highland and $49,521 in Provo. The Highland area offers higher starting salaries.
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