Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $46.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Lakewood, CA runs $46.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,686 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,613 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, the hourly pay for elementary school teachers stands at a competitive $46.97, significantly higher than the national median of $31.06. This enhanced hourly rate makes it feasible for educators working part-time or as substitutes to maintain a viable income while focusing on other responsibilities, such as professional development or personal time. Typically, part-time teachers may work three days a week, allowing them to earn around $1,130 a week for approximately 24 hours of work, depending on the exact number of teaching hours. The broad hourly range—from $36.09 at the lower end to $72.80 for the highest earners—provides insights into the varying levels of experience and educational attainment in the Lakewood area. Additionally, the hourly earnings can reflect the diverse settings in which these educators work, such as K-12 classrooms, summer programs, or special education environments.
About the Lakewood 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) | $36.09 | $288.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.65 | $333.23 |
| Median (P50) | $46.97 | $375.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.88 | $479.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.80 | $582.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $46.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.97/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $97,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,359. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,878.63 | $8,141 | $97,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,127.18 | $4,884 | $58,613 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.45 | $3,256 | $39,076 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Lakewood) | $46.97 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $97,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.22% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.50% below the California state average of $100,191.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.97/hr = $58,613/year (purchasing power: $51,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,689/year (purchasing power: $86,374).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Lakewood grew 7.2% from $43.38/hr (2019) to $46.51/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.43/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
For those considering part-time positions, the annual take-home for a teacher working 24 hours a week could range significantly compared to a full-time commitment. Per-diem elementary school teacher pay in Lakewood generally hovers around $100-$250 per day, with long-term substitutes potentially earning even more. Tutoring opportunities can further supplement income, with rates from $30 to $200 per hour depending on the platform and subject expertise. The choice to work in various educational settings, from public school districts to charter schools, can influence earning potential significantly. For instance, while teachers in K-12 public schools often follow a step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience, charter networks may offer variable pay based on the school's funding model. Teachers must weigh the benefits of consistent pay and health insurance against opportunities for higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiation skills can help secure better rates, particularly when it comes to hourly compensation in this high-cost-of-living area.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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