Elementary School Teacher Salary in Apache Junction, AZ: $46,712 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Apache Junction, AZ earns a median $46,712/year (≈ $22.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Apache Junction's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $47,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For an elementary school teacher in Apache Junction, Arizona, the projected median annual salary stands at $46,712 in 2026. Comparatively, this figure represents a significant gap when set against the national average of $64,597. The salary range for educators in this area varies notably, with entry-level positions starting at $37,544 (P10) and experienced teachers earning up to $71,691 (P90). These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living differences, influencing not only the salary but also the overall appeal of teaching in this locality. Teachers with advanced degrees, particularly those with a master's plus 30 credits, often find themselves positioned favorably on the district's step-and-lane salary scale.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,544 | $18.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,642 | $20.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,712 | $22.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,431 | $27.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,691 | $34.46 |
Median Salary Position
27.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apache Junction
In Apache Junction, AZ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,147 (2026 est.). At $46,712, the local median is 27.69% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apache Junction: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apache Junction Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Apache Junction median: $46,712/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apache Junction Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $48,457 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -27.69% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $46,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.69% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $48,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apache Junction has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apache Junction, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $46,712 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,423 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,150
2025 BLS Actual
$46,259
2026 Current Est.
$46,712
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,401 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,049 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,259 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,712 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,170 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apache Junction metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $43,150 (2019) to $46,259 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,170 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,020 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apache Junction 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) | $37,544 – $43,642 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,642 – $46,712 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,712 – $57,431 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,431 – $71,691 |
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 Apache Junction
In terms of the local job market, there are currently six elementary school teachers employed in Apache Junction. The cost-of-living index for this area, at 98.5, slightly below the national average, indicates that while salaries may be lower than the national norm, the relative affordability of living in Apache Junction may balance this out. The most competitive salaries among local employers can often be found in K-12 public school districts, where the step-and-lane pay structure rewards years of service and educational attainment. Furthermore, compensation discrepancies are driven by factors such as shortage area stipends for positions in special education and STEM, as well as additional pay for summer school and after-school programs. Teachers aiming to maximize their pay in Apache Junction would benefit from pursuing advanced degrees and seeking opportunities for specialized positions, as these avenues can substantially enhance their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
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 $46,259 for elementary school teachersin the Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction 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