Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Maricopa, AZ: $23.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Maricopa, AZ runs $23.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Maricopa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Maricopa, Arizona, the projected median hourly pay for elementary school teachers stands at $23.61, significantly lower than the national median of $31.06. This disparity indicates the challenges local educators may face, especially in the context of part-time roles and per-diem work opportunities. For teachers working part-time, such as those opting for a three-day workweek, they can expect to earn around $13,664 annually if they manage 24 hours per week. In terms of pay range, entry-level teachers can expect an hourly wage of approximately $17.72, while more experienced educators may earn as much as $36.60 per hour. Positions in various settings, including K-12 classrooms, special education, and summer school programs, also reflect this hourly rate structure, allowing for flexibility but often leading to variations in overall compensation depending on hours worked.
About the Maricopa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.72 | $141.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.16 | $169.24 |
| Median (P50) | $23.61 | $188.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.82 | $238.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.60 | $292.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maricopa
Based on $23.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.61/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maricopa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $49,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,331. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maricopa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maricopa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $944.36 | $4,092 | $49,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.62 | $2,455 | $29,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.75 | $1,637 | $19,643 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Maricopa) | $23.61 |
| 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 Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $49,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.97% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $48,434.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.61/hr = $29,464/year (purchasing power: $29,913).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,107/year (purchasing power: $49,855).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Maricopa grew 7.2% from $21.81/hr (2019) to $23.38/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.84/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 Maricopa 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 Maricopa
While Maricopa teachers can expect a steady income from a traditional public school setup, alternative arrangements present different financial prospects. For example, a per diem elementary school teacher in the area may earn between $100 and $200 daily, depending on the district and specific role, which can amount to a substantial sum if working several assignments in a month. Additionally, tutoring can provide lucrative opportunities, with rates ranging from $30-$80 per hour through platforms such as Wyzant or Varsity Tutors. However, the benefits of traditional employment—like health insurance—might lead some educators to choose jobs with slightly lower hourly rates. This trade-off can significantly impact the earnings of those in the educational sector. It is imperative for teachers in Maricopa to research hourly rates based on different employer types, including public, charter, and private schools, and to negotiate pay effectively. Understanding the pay structure and associated benefits can help them make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Maricopa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Maricopa in 2026?
How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in Maricopa?
Are elementary school teachers in Maricopa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in Maricopa?
Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in Maricopa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Maricopa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maricopa 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