Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $48.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Santa Monica, CA runs $48.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,306 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,781 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, the elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at $48.70, significantly above the national median of $31.06. This robust hourly rate provides an appealing opportunity for educators working part-time, such as those teaching three days a week in various settings like K-12 classrooms, special education, or summer school programs. For individuals considering a per diem role, the salary range reflects the variability in the field, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $36.32 per hour and experienced teachers earning up to $75.49 per hour. These figures are estimated from annual salary data and point to a competitive wage structure in Santa Monica, which is in line with its higher cost of living.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $36.32 | $290.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.47 | $347.78 |
| Median (P50) | $48.70 | $389.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.35 | $490.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.49 | $603.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $48.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.70/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $101,302 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,443. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,948.11 | $8,442 | $101,302 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.86 | $5,065 | $60,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.24 | $3,377 | $40,521 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Santa Monica) | $48.70 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $101,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.83% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.10% above the California state average of $100,204.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.70/hr = $60,781/year (purchasing power: $53,741).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,302/year (purchasing power: $89,568).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Santa Monica grew 7.2% from $44.99/hr (2019) to $48.23/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.18/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time elementary school teachers reveals a considerable difference in earnings compared to full-time counterparts. A teacher working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $61,000 annually, highlighting the potential benefits of flexible working arrangements. In contrast, substitute teaching often comes with varying compensation, where daily rates range broadly from $100 to $250, depending on the district and position duration. Various employment types also impact hourly rates, with public school districts generally following a step-and-lane pay structure while charter schools may offer more variability based on performance and teaching areas. Teachers may face the decision to forego higher hourly rates in favor of positions that provide comprehensive benefits, such as health insurance. For those entering Santa Monica’s educational workforce, negotiating pay with an awareness of local standards—and understanding the differences in per diem rates—can lead to better outcomes in terms of compensation and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in Santa Monica?
Are elementary school teachers in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in Santa Monica?
Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Monica?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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