SalaryByCity

Computer Programmers vs Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Computer Programmers

$98,670

Median annual salary

109,870 employed nationally

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

$62,340

Median annual salary

1,393,310 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer Programmers professionals earn $36,330 more per year than Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education professionals — that's 58.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $102,010 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$46,440 – $102,010
$46,440$162,090

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer ProgrammersElementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationDifference
10th Percentile$52,190$46,440+$5,750
25th Percentile$71,860$50,680+$21,180
Median (50th)$98,670$62,340+$36,330
75th Percentile$128,960$79,410+$49,550
90th Percentile$162,090$102,010+$60,080
Mean (Average)$103,640$69,790+$33,850

Employment Numbers

Computer Programmers

109,870

employed nationwide

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

1,393,310

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer Programmers

CityMedian
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$167,970
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$159,250
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$133,560
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$122,580
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$122,000

Best Cities for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

CityMedian
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$100,580
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$99,970
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$99,780
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$98,890
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$98,270

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $36,330 (58.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salaries range from $46,440 (10th percentile) to $102,010 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,340.
How many Computer Programmers and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 1,393,310 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education earns $62,340. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS