Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $27.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $27.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at $27.36, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $31.06. This disparity significantly impacts part-time and per-diem educators working in school environments, including K-12 classrooms, special education settings, and after-school programs. For those teaching just three days a week, the potential earnings could be considerably less than full-time counterparts. The hourly rate ranges from $20.38 for entry-level positions to $42.40 for the highest earners, indicating a broad spectrum of financial opportunities depending on experience and qualifications. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, providing insight into the working conditions for teachers in various instructional contexts throughout Pine Bluff.
About the Pine Bluff 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) | $20.38 | $163.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.31 | $194.45 |
| Median (P50) | $27.36 | $218.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.02 | $280.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.40 | $339.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff
Based on $27.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.36/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $56,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,827. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,094.22 | $4,742 | $56,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.53 | $2,845 | $34,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.69 | $1,897 | $22,760 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Pine Bluff) | $27.36 |
| 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 Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $56,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $58,301.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.36/hr = $34,140/year (purchasing power: $39,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,899/year (purchasing power: $65,477).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Pine Bluff grew 17.6% from $23.03/hr (2019) to $27.09/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.62/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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
Looking at the practical implications of these hourly figures reveals the earning potential for both part-time and per-diem educators in Pine Bluff. A 3-day per week schedule, with 24 hours of work, could lead to an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time teachers, limiting financial growth. Additionally, per diem elementary school teacher pay in Pine Bluff can vary widely; for example, substitutes may receive about $100-$200 per day, while long-term substitutes could earn between $140-$250. Engaging in tutoring through platforms can also provide a lucrative option, with rates ranging from $30 to $80 per hour. Salaries may differ based on the type of employer, which can span from public school districts to private institutions and charter schools. Benefits play a considerable role in these decisions, as many teachers might prefer lower hourly wages with health insurance benefits over higher pay without such security. Negotiation strategies should therefore consider the total compensation package, not just the hourly rate, ensuring educators in Pine Bluff can secure the best possible outcome for their careers.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, 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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff 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