Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $48.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Westminster, CA runs $48.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,314 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,794 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, the 2026 median hourly pay for elementary school teachers is projected at $48.71, significantly surpassing the national median of $31.06. This strong hourly rate can benefit part-time teachers working three days a week in various educational settings, from traditional K-12 classrooms to special education and summer programs. For those accepting per-diem roles, this hourly rate provides a competitive edge when compared to alternate opportunities such as tutoring or after-school programs. With a wage range from $36.18 at the entry-level to $75.50 for experienced teachers, Westminster offers robust earning potential, especially for educators willing to navigate diverse teaching environments, including public schools, charter networks, and private institutions.
About the Westminster 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) | $36.18 | $289.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.47 | $347.78 |
| Median (P50) | $48.71 | $389.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.35 | $498.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.50 | $604.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $48.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.71/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $101,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,455. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,948.51 | $8,444 | $101,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,169.11 | $5,066 | $60,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.40 | $3,377 | $40,529 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Westminster) | $48.71 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $101,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.84% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.10% above the California state average of $100,212.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.71/hr = $60,794/year (purchasing power: $53,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,323/year (purchasing power: $89,587).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Westminster grew 7.2% from $45.00/hr (2019) to $48.24/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.19/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
Contrastingly, the take-home reality for part-time teachers averaging 24 hours a week paints a different picture. These individuals earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, making it essential to assess financial viability when considering part-time roles. For substitute teachers, the per diem rates have a range that generally falls between $100 and $200 per day, depending on the school district’s budget and specific hiring practices. In addition, tutoring during evenings or weekends can yield $30-$80 per hour, while specialized SAT or ACT tutoring may command $80-$200 per hour, reflecting high-demand skills. With the variability in pay across public, charter, and private institutions in Westminster, educators must weigh the trade-offs between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits or pursuing higher pay without insurance and other perks. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the local market, and leveraging experience can lead to better offers and improved compensation structures in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Westminster, 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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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