Lincoln vs North Platte: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Lincoln, NE and North Platte, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | North Platte, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,547▲ | $54,962 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.07▲ | $26.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,547▲ | $45,143 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,547▲ | $51,841 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,148▲ | $68,250 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,148 | $84,537▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Platte.
The salary gap between Lincoln and North Platte is $7,585 (13.80%). Lincoln's median is -3.17% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $15,601,North Platte spans $39,394. North Platte 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, Lincoln ($68,297 effective) pays 13.70% more than North Platte ($60,068 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,547/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,297)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose North Platte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,537)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Lincoln grew 1.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in North Platte over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$60,780 (2019) → $61,940 (2025)
North Platte, NE
$52,752 (2024) → $54,429 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
North Platte, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Lincoln or North Platte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and North Platte?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to North Platte as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Lincoln vs North Platte?
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