Junction City vs Olathe: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Junction City, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Junction City, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,374 | $58,920▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.62 | $28.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,330 | $45,226▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,189 | $53,647▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,747 | $74,250▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,830 | $91,325▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Junction City.
The salary gap between Junction City and Olathe is $3,546 (6.40%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Junction City spans $43,500,Olathe spans $46,099. Olathe 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, Olathe ($64,818 effective) pays 6.40% more than Junction City ($60,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Junction City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,325)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,818)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Junction City grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Junction City, KS
$49,719 (2024) → $54,837 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$52,902 (2024) → $58,348 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Junction City, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Junction City or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Junction City and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Junction City to Olathe as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Junction City vs Olathe?
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