Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $45.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Brea, CA runs $45.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,063 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, the hourly compensation for elementary school teachers stands at $45.72, significantly more than the national average of $31.06. This premium reflects the area’s higher cost of living, which sits at a cost of living index of 113.1. For part-time teachers working three days each week (typically around 24 hours), this hourly rate can translate to a substantial income, allowing them to find balance in their teaching career while still managing personal commitments. The hourly pay spans a range, with entry-level positions earning approximately $35.70 per hour, while more experienced educators can command up to $70.87 in the Brea area. This robust compensation also includes various teaching scenarios from K-12 classroom instruction to special education and tutoring positions, providing multiple avenues for educators to leverage their qualifications and skills in diverse educational settings.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.70 | $285.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.84 | $334.69 |
| Median (P50) | $45.72 | $365.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.09 | $464.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.87 | $566.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $45.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.72/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $95,105 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,868. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,828.95 | $7,925 | $95,105 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.37 | $4,755 | $57,063 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.58 | $3,170 | $38,042 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Brea) | $45.72 |
| 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 Brea, CA earn a median of $95,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 47.22% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 5.10% below the California state average of $100,210.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.72/hr = $57,063/year (purchasing power: $50,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,105/year (purchasing power: $84,090).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Brea grew 7.2% from $42.24/hr (2019) to $45.28/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.17/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 Brea 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 Brea
Examining the part-time earnings for a three-day-a-week schedule reveals that an elementary school teacher typically earns around $53,582 annually before taxes, there’s a stark difference compared to full-time educators, who benefit from additional hours and complete employment packages. Many teachers in Brea may consider working per diem positions, as substitute teaching in the district can net anywhere from $100 to $200 daily, with long-term substitutes earning even more. The flexibility of independent tutoring or agency work offers hourly pay ranging from $30 to $80, providing teachers with additional opportunities to boost their income. However, teachers must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates that come without benefits and lower rates with comprehensive health insurance options available in full-time positions. When negotiating hourly pay, it is vital for educators to understand their worth based on Brea's unique pay structure and cost dynamics, as well as the diverse settings where their expertise is needed.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
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 Brea. 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 Brea 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