Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $36.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Aurora, CO runs $36.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Aurora, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for an elementary school teacher is $36.51, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $31.06. This competitive rate offers promising opportunities for both full-time educators and part-time professionals, such as those teaching in K-12 classrooms, special education, or summer school programs. For individuals considering part-time roles, working three days a week could yield substantial earnings, especially given the 2026 hourly range, which stretches from $26.37 for entry-level positions to $56.60 for top earners. These figures are based on annual salary estimates, making them useful for understanding the earning potential across a spectrum of teaching environments in Aurora.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.37 | $210.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.11 | $256.89 |
| Median (P50) | $36.51 | $292.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.74 | $373.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.60 | $452.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $36.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.51/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $75,950 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,817. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,460.57 | $6,329 | $75,950 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.34 | $3,797 | $45,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.23 | $2,532 | $30,380 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Aurora) | $36.51 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $75,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.59% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 21.30% above the Colorado state average of $62,620.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.51/hr = $45,570/year (purchasing power: $43,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,950/year (purchasing power: $72,333).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Aurora grew 7.2% from $33.73/hr (2019) to $36.16/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.87/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
Looking deeper into the earning potential, a part-time teacher working a standard 24-hour week may take home quite a different annual income than their full-time counterparts. For instance, a per diem elementary school teacher in Aurora, earning between $100-$200 daily for substitute teaching, can earn a commendable income without committing to a full-time schedule. In contrast, tutoring platforms can generate pay rates from $30-$80 per hour, making them an attractive alternative for many educators. Additionally, the hourly rates differ significantly across various employer types, such as public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions—each reflecting different pay scales based on funding and student needs. When negotiating their pay, teachers should weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against the security and health insurance that often accompany full-time positions. For those working as agency or substitute teachers, learning to negotiate effectively can lead to greater financial security in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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