Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Chula Vista, CA: $47.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Chula Vista, CA runs $47.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,065 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Chula Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,840 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Chula Vista, California, the projected 2026 elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at $47.15, significantly higher than the national median of $31.06. This favorable compensation allows for a variety of employment arrangements, whether for part-time educators working three days a week or for per-diem roles in diverse settings such as K-12 classrooms, specialized programs, or after-school activities. Part-time teachers could earn approximately $1,162.80 for a typical three-day week while embracing versatility in teaching a range of subjects from elementary education to specialized tutoring. The hourly pay can vary across the spectrum, with entry-level professionals earning around $31.93 (10th percentile) and experienced teachers potentially reaching up to $73.08 (90th percentile), reflecting a dynamic pay scale based on experience and subject specialty.
About the Chula Vista 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) | $31.93 | $255.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.73 | $341.88 |
| Median (P50) | $47.15 | $377.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.35 | $482.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.08 | $584.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chula Vista
Based on $47.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.15/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chula Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $98,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,577. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chula Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chula Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,885.90 | $8,172 | $98,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,131.54 | $4,903 | $58,840 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.36 | $3,269 | $39,227 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Chula Vista) | $47.15 |
| 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 Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $98,065 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.81% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.20% below the California state average of $100,271.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.15/hr = $58,840/year (purchasing power: $52,025).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,067/year (purchasing power: $86,708).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Chula Vista grew 7.2% from $43.55/hr (2019) to $46.69/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.61/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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista
While the hourly rate might be attractive, part-time teachers in Chula Vista may face a different financial reality compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, a part-time teacher working 24 hours a week could bring home about $48,000 annually, which may not match the benefits of a full-time position. Substitute and per diem teaching options can yield different earnings; substitutes generally see daily pay between $100 and $200, with those in long-term roles earning even more. Additionally, tutors often charge $30-$80 an hour, but some specialties, such as SAT prep, could garner rates between $80-$200 an hour. Those seeking employment in various educational settings—public charter schools, private institutions, or specialized programs—will find that opposing trade-offs exist, specifically regarding health insurance and job security versus higher hourly wages. For educators negotiating in Chula Vista's competitive market, understanding the nuances of compensation packages can provide insight into making informed employment choices.
More salary data for Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista. 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 Chula Vista 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