Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $26.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Searcy, AR runs $26.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,295 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Searcy, Arkansas, the median hourly pay for elementary school teachers stands at $26.68, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $31.06. This discrepancy can significantly impact part-time and per-diem educators who typically operate within K-12 classroom environments, including both general and special education settings. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a modest income that may not align with personal financial goals. With entry-level hourly rates starting at $20.83 and experienced teachers earning up to $39.72, the pay scale reflects the local job market's cost of living index of 86.9, which sits below the national average, suggesting a more robust income potential may be found in other markets.
About the Searcy 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) | $20.83 | $166.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.30 | $194.37 |
| Median (P50) | $26.68 | $213.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.31 | $258.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.72 | $317.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $26.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.68/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $55,492 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,015. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,067.16 | $4,624 | $55,492 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $640.29 | $2,775 | $33,295 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.86 | $1,850 | $22,197 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Searcy) | $26.68 |
| 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 Searcy, AR earn a median of $55,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.08% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $58,300.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.68/hr = $33,295/year (purchasing power: $38,314).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,492/year (purchasing power: $63,857).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Searcy grew 7.2% from $24.64/hr (2019) to $26.42/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.94/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 Searcy 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 Searcy
The earning potential for a part-time teacher in Searcy, working 24 hours a week, totals about $33,325 annually, compared to full-time educators who typically earn more substantial salaries. Per diem roles and substitute positions have their own pay scales, with daily earnings ranging from $100 to $250 based on district contracts. Tutoring can also be lucrative, with some educators earning $30 to $80 per hour through platforms like Wyzant and Varsity Tutors. Diverse employment types, including public schools, charter schools, and private institutions, present varying hourly rates, often influenced by the specific needs of the schools and available resources. Importantly, teachers must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates that include health insurance against higher pay without such incentives. For those looking to negotiate their rates, understanding the local job market's context and highlighting relevant experience can be beneficial strategies in securing a more competitive compensation package in Searcy.
More salary data for Searcy, 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 Searcy. 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 Searcy 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