Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $27.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Benton, AR runs $27.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,110 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,266 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the median hourly pay for elementary school teachers is projected to be $27.46 in 2026. This rate falls below the national median hourly figure of $31.06, highlighting a gap that reflects broader economic factors. For part-time educators working three days a week, teaching for a total of 24 hours, this hourly wage translates into significant implications for income stability. In various typical educational settings, such as K-12 classrooms, tutoring programs, and special education environments, the hourly pay range extends from $20.53 at entry-level positions to as high as $42.56 for those among the top earners. These hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary data, and they indicate that while Benton offers a competitive starting point for teaching jobs, there is variability based on experience, specialization, and the setting in which teachers choose to work.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.53 | $164.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.52 | $196.14 |
| Median (P50) | $27.46 | $219.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.27 | $274.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.56 | $340.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $27.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.46/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $57,109 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,948. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,098.26 | $4,759 | $57,109 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $658.96 | $2,855 | $34,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.30 | $1,904 | $22,844 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Benton) | $27.46 |
| 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 Benton, AR earn a median of $57,110 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.59% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $58,276.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.46/hr = $34,266/year (purchasing power: $39,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,109/year (purchasing power: $65,719).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Benton grew 7.2% from $25.36/hr (2019) to $27.19/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.73/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 Benton 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 Benton
For those considering part-time opportunities as elementary school educators in Benton, the financial reality can vary significantly. A teacher working part-time at 24 hours a week would earn approximately $34,204 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings that exceed $57,110. Substitute teaching offers another avenue for income, where per diem rates generally range from $100 to $200 per day in public districts, escalating for long-term substitutes. Freelancing via tutoring platforms can yield between $30 to $80 per hour. Moreover, the employer type significantly influences compensation; K-12 public schools usually follow a step-and-lane pay structure, while charter networks may offer variable rates linked to longer hours or specific market demands. Teachers might find themselves weighing the benefits of consistent hours and health insurance in full-time roles against the higher hourly pay levels available in contract or substitute positions, where benefits may be sacrificed. To maximize earnings, it's advisable for educators to approach salary negotiations with clear expectations about their worth, taking into account the unique dynamics of Benton’s educational landscape.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
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 Benton. 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 Benton 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