Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $29.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Dothan, AL runs $29.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,547 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.8, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,925 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, the hourly pay for elementary school teachers is projected to be $29.59 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $31.06. This rate is indicative of the area's cost of living, which sits below the national average. For part-time educators working three days a week, the typical hourly rate provides a viable option for those who seek a flexible schedule while engaging in K-12 instruction, special education settings, or summer programs. The hourly pay range in Dothan varies significantly, starting from $22.17 for entry-level positions up to $34.87 for more experienced teachers, reflecting the diverse employment options within schools and tutoring programs across the region. These figures are based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring a solid understanding of the earning landscape for elementary school teachers in Dothan.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.17 | $177.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.77 | $190.17 |
| Median (P50) | $29.59 | $236.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.79 | $238.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.87 | $278.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $29.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.59/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $61,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,505. With a cost-of-living index of 83.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.49 | $5,128 | $61,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.09 | $3,077 | $36,925 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.39 | $2,051 | $24,617 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Dothan) | $29.59 |
| Middle School Teacher (National Avg) | $32.16 |
| High School Teacher (National Avg) | $33.55 |
| Preschool Teacher (National Avg) | $18.53 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $32.74 |
Elementary School Teachers in Dothan, AL earn a median of $61,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% lower than the national median of $64,597.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.59/hr = $36,925/year (purchasing power: $44,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,541/year (purchasing power: $73,409).
CoL index: 83.833 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Dothan grew 25.4% from $23.37/hr (2019) to $29.30/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem elementary school teachers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dothan 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.
Working as an Hourly Elementary School Teacher in Dothan
For educators considering part-time roles or per diem positions, the potential earning landscape presents a varied picture. A part-time teaching schedule of 24 hours per week would yield an annual take-home amount significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. Meanwhile, per diem elementary school teacher pay in Dothan often ranges from $100 to $250 per day for substitutes and long-term assignments, which can be appealing for those seeking short-term commitments. Direct-pay tutoring opportunities can also generate impressive hourly rates, typically between $30 and $80 for platforms like Wyzant or Outschool. Additionally, different types of educational institutions in Dothan, including charter schools and private institutions, provide varying hourly pay scales influenced by their funding structures and the demographics they serve. Some educators may sacrifice higher hourly pay for the stability and benefits that come with full-time positions, illustrating the intricate balance that many teachers must strike. For those in negotiations, being informed about local market rates and the benefits offered can be essential strategies.
More salary data for Dothan, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for elementary school teachers in Dothan. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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