Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Brighton, CO: $28.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Brighton, CO runs $28.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,677 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Brighton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,803 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brighton, Colorado, the median hourly pay for elementary school teachers stands at $28.69, slightly below the national median of $31.06. This wage is essential for teachers working part-time, such as those in typical K-12 classroom settings, special education, or after-school programs, where income can fluctuate based on hours worked. For a part-time teacher working three days a week, the earnings would vary significantly based on actual hours taught, while per-diem workers might find their financial stability tied to available work days in summer programs or professional development sessions. The hourly pay ranges from $22.65 at the entry level to $44.47 for top earners, reflecting the different experience levels and roles teachers may assume within the educational landscape.
About the Brighton 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) | $22.65 | $181.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.41 | $211.25 |
| Median (P50) | $28.69 | $229.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.59 | $292.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.47 | $355.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brighton
Based on $28.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.69/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brighton, CO can expect to earn approximately $59,672 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,426. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brighton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brighton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,147.54 | $4,973 | $59,672 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.52 | $2,984 | $35,803 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.01 | $1,989 | $23,869 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Brighton) | $28.69 |
| 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 Brighton, CO earn a median of $59,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.62% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $62,620.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.69/hr = $35,803/year (purchasing power: $34,098).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,672/year (purchasing power: $56,830).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Brighton grew 7.2% from $26.50/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.97/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 Brighton 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 Brighton
A part-time elementary school teacher in Brighton, working a 24-hour week across three days, could expect an annual paycheck significantly lower than a full-time colleague, highlighting the income disparity based on hours worked. Per diem positions show varied earning potential; substitute teachers might take home between $100-$200 a day, while those in long-term roles can earn up to $250 daily, depending on the district. Private tutoring activities also present opportunities for higher pay, with rates of $30-$80 per hour or more, especially for specialized SAT or ACT prep. Compensation can fluctuate significantly across various employers, including public school systems, charter schools, and private institutions, adding complexity to the decision-making process for educators. While some may opt for the stability of traditional salary structures, including benefits, others may chase higher hourly pay without additional advantages in competitive environments like Brighton. Negotiating pay effectively in this market, where public education salaries often follow a step-and-lane structure, can empower teachers, particularly those considering alternative employment avenues.
More salary data for Brighton, 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 Brighton. 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 Brighton 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