Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $48.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Tulare, CA runs $48.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,267 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,756 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, California, elementary school teachers can expect an hourly median pay of $48.68, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.06. This strong hourly rate allows educators to earn a comfortable income, whether they are working full-time, part-time, or on a per-diem basis. For those teaching part-time, like a typical 3-day workweek, they can strategically negotiate their hours to achieve financial flexibility while enjoying professional fulfillment. Entry-level teachers in Tulare start at approximately $36.28 an hour, while experienced educators can command rates up to $75.46 per hour. Such estimates, based on annual salary data, reflect the competitive landscape for educators in a region where the cost of living index is slightly above average.
About the Tulare 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) | $36.28 | $290.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.43 | $347.45 |
| Median (P50) | $48.68 | $389.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.30 | $490.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.46 | $603.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $48.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.68/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $101,260 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,419. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,947.30 | $8,438 | $101,260 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.38 | $5,063 | $60,756 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.92 | $3,375 | $40,504 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Tulare) | $48.68 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $101,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.77% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.00% above the California state average of $100,264.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.68/hr = $60,756/year (purchasing power: $53,719).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,260/year (purchasing power: $89,531).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Tulare grew 7.2% from $44.97/hr (2019) to $48.21/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.16/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
Looking deeper into the earning potential for teachers in 2026, a part-time elementary school teacher working 24 hours a week might earn considerably less than their full-time counterparts, resulting in a take-home income that typically hovers below the financial threshold for comprehensive benefits. Per diem work fluctuates widely, with substitute teachers getting anywhere from $100 to $200 a day in public districts, while long-term substitutes may see daily rates between $140 and $250. Tutoring gigs can also vary; many educators supplement their income through platforms like Wyzant, Outschool, or Varsity Tutors, earning between $30 to $80 per hour. In Tulare, hourly pay can differ considerably across employer types—from K-12 public schools to private institutions and charter networks—potentially affecting both job satisfaction and financial security. Some teachers may opt for positions that offer lower hourly rates but provide health insurance, creating a crucial trade-off between hourly pay and benefits. When negotiating pay, it's essential for educators in Tulare to consider not just the hourly wage but also ancillary benefits that could impact their overall compensation.
More salary data for Tulare, 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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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