Elementary School Teacher Salary in Columbus, OH (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$74,340
in Columbus · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$78,559
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#41
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in Columbus
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Columbus, OH is $74,340 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,195/month or $36/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Columbus pays 0% more than the typical city.
Columbus has a cost of living index of 94.6 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $74,340 in Columbus is equivalent to $78,559 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Columbus metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WA | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Columbus
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $121,150 |
| Registered Nurse | $89,170 |
| Electrician | $66,040 |
| Accountant | $91,980 |
Full cost of living profile for Columbus
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Columbus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Columbus?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Columbus, OH is $74,340 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Columbus Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Columbus Elementary School Teacher pay ($74,340) is 0% above the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Columbus?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 94.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $74,340 salary in Columbus has the purchasing power of approximately $78,559 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology