Elementary School Teacher Salary in Phenix City, AL: $60,573 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Phenix City, AL earns a median $60,573/year (≈ $29.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Phenix City's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $68,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual compensation for elementary school teachers in Phenix City, Alabama, stands at $60,573, which reflects a slight variance compared to the national median of $64,597. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $48,908 at the 10th percentile to $93,227 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances. The salary structure in Phenix City is influenced by the step-and-lane pay scale common in public education, which evaluates pay based on years of experience and educational achievement. As the demand for talented educators grows, particularly in specialty areas, the competition and potential for higher compensation within the teaching workforce is expected to evolve.
About the Phenix City Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,908 | $23.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,756 | $27.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,573 | $29.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,633 | $35.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,227 | $44.83 |
Median Salary Position
6.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phenix City
In Phenix City, AL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,319 (2026 est.). At $60,573, the local median is 6.23% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phenix City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Phenix City Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Phenix City median: $60,573/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phenix City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $61,558 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -6.23% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Phenix City, AL earn a median of $60,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $61,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phenix City has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phenix City, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $60,573 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,911 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,953
2025 BLS Actual
$59,985
2026 Current Est.
$60,573
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Phenix City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,953 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,144 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,575 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,847 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,713 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,572 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,573 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,166 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phenix City metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $55,953 (2019) to $59,985 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,166 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,213 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phenix City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,908 – $56,756 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,756 – $60,573 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,573 – $74,633 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,633 – $93,227 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Phenix City
In Phenix City, the local job market for elementary school teachers is characterized by a small contingent, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index of 87.9 suggests that while salaries are lower than the national average, they afford a reasonable standard of living, especially when factoring in local housing and other expenses. Public school districts typically offer competitive salaries, but teachers may find opportunities for enhanced pay through charter school networks or specialized programs that address teacher shortages in STEM and special education. Compensation can also vary significantly based on advanced degrees or participation in extended year contracts and after-school programs. For teachers aiming to maximize their earnings, focusing on professional development, pursuing National Board Certification, and seeking roles in high-need areas could be effective strategies in the evolving landscape of elementary school teacher pay in Phenix City, AL.
More salary data for Phenix City, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,985 for elementary school teachersin the Phenix City metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Phenix City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
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