Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $26.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Van Buren, AR runs $26.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Van Buren, Arkansas, the elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at $26.01, which significantly lags behind the national hourly median of $31.06. This discrepancy translates to substantial implications for part-time educators, particularly those working three days a week, who would earn approximately $624 per week. When considering roles in K-12 classroom instruction, special education settings, and even after-school tutoring, these hourly rates inform budgeting and lifestyle decisions for educators. The hourly pay range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $21.41 while experienced teachers may earn up to $40.32. For those interested in more flexible employment, per-diem opportunities exist, allowing professionals to fill in as substitutes or engage in summer school programs, further enhancing their earnings without full-time commitments.
About the Van Buren 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) | $21.41 | $171.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.48 | $195.82 |
| Median (P50) | $26.01 | $208.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.81 | $262.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.32 | $322.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $26.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.01/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $54,106 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,215. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,040.50 | $4,509 | $54,106 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $624.30 | $2,705 | $32,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.20 | $1,804 | $21,642 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Van Buren) | $26.01 |
| 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 Van Buren, AR earn a median of $54,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.23% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $58,311.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.01/hr = $32,464/year (purchasing power: $37,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,106/year (purchasing power: $62,262).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Van Buren grew 7.2% from $24.03/hr (2019) to $25.76/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.27/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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren
With part-time positions in Van Buren often translating to around $16,248 annually for a teacher working just 24 hours a week, the earning potential differs significantly from full-time educators. Substitute teachers in the area typically see daily rates ranging from $100 to $200, with long-term substitutes earning between $140 and $250 a day. Tutoring platforms can yield a more lucrative hourly rate, with options ranging from $30 to $80, depending on the subject and demand. Furthermore, the scale of pay may vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, K-12 public school districts might offer different compensation compared to charter schools or private institutions. Generally, some educators may choose lower hourly pay linked to health benefits while others opt for higher rates without such perks. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the local market and their value can empower district-specific discussions and help in maximizing compensation packages.
More salary data for Van Buren, 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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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