Teacher Salary

Phoenix vs Prescott Valley: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Prescott Valley, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$59,760
$28.73/hr
Prescott Valley, AZ
$47,865
$23.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZPrescott Valley, AZ
Median Salary$59,760$47,865
Hourly Rate$28.73$23.01
Entry Level (P10)$47,854$38,908
25th Percentile$49,319$46,572
75th Percentile$67,828$53,620
Top Earner (P90)$82,319$61,315
Total Employed16,560600
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($59,760) and Prescott Valley ($47,865) elementary school teacher salaries.PhoenixPrescott ValleyMedian Salary$59,760$47,865Entry Level (P10)$47,854$38,908Top Earner (P90)$82,319$61,315US Median $64,597

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Prescott Valley.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Prescott Valley is $11,895 (24.85%). Phoenix's median is -7.49% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $34,465,Prescott Valley spans $22,407. Phoenix has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$47,854
P25$49,319
Median$59,760
P75$67,828
P90 (Top)$82,319
Prescott Valley
P10 (Entry)$38,908
P25$46,572
Median$47,865
P75$53,620
P90 (Top)$61,315

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($57,842 effective) pays 18.74% more than Prescott Valley ($48,715 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $59,760
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $57,842
Prescott Valley
Nominal: $47,865
CoL Index: 98.255
Adjusted: $48,715

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,760/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,319)
  • Larger job market (16,560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,842)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Prescott Valley if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Phoenix grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Prescott Valley over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+29.6%

$45,660 (2019) → $59,180 (2025)

Prescott Valley, AZ

+0.7%

$47,080 (2024) → $47,400 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Phoenix or Prescott Valley?

Phoenix has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $59,760/year, compared to Prescott Valley at $47,865/year — a difference of $11,895 (24.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Prescott Valley?

Phoenix elementary school teachers earn $28.73/hr while Prescott Valley hygienists earn $23.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Prescott Valley as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Prescott Valley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $57,842, Prescott Valley = $48,715), job availability (16,560 vs 600 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Phoenix vs Prescott Valley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $47,854 in Phoenix and $38,908 in Prescott Valley. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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