Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $30.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Thornton, CO runs $30.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,590 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the elementary school teacher hourly pay is projected to be $30.58 in 2026. This figure positions local educators slightly below the national average of $31.06, indicating a modest regional pay scale in comparison to broader trends. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, this hourly wage translates to meaningful compensation in a profession often practiced in various settings like K-12 classrooms, special education environments, and summer school programs. The hourly range across Thornton spans from approximately $21.65 for entry-level positions to $47.39 for top earners, allowing educators to expect varied pay based on their experience, specialization, and the specific demands of their roles. This distinction reflects the diverse nature of educational environments and the broader financial implications of part-time versus full-time employment within the teaching profession.
About the Thornton 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) | $21.65 | $173.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.46 | $211.65 |
| Median (P50) | $30.58 | $244.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.13 | $313.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.39 | $379.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $30.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.58/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $63,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,692. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,223.07 | $5,300 | $63,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.84 | $3,180 | $38,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.23 | $2,120 | $25,440 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Thornton) | $30.58 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $63,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.56% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $62,589.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.58/hr = $38,160/year (purchasing power: $36,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,600/year (purchasing power: $60,571).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Thornton grew 7.2% from $28.24/hr (2019) to $30.28/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.88/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
Exploring the earnings of part-time elementary educators in Thornton reveals that a teacher working 24 hours a week would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For instance, while a full-time teacher might take home upwards of $63,590 annually, a part-timer could earn closer to $37,000 before taxes—highlighting the trade-offs for those opting for a reduced schedule. Per diem arrangements in this profession, such as substitute teaching, can yield anywhere from $100 to $200 a day, with long-term assignments reaching between $140 and $250 daily. Meanwhile, tutoring on platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors allows for hourly earnings of $30 to $80, with some private SAT/ACT tutors even making between $80 and $200 per hour. Teachers in Thornton may find that K-12 public schools offer structured pay based on experience while private and charter schools might present different pay scales and benefit options. This dichotomy emphasizes a crucial consideration for educators: the balance between higher hourly rates without benefits and more stable positions that provide health insurance. Engaging in open discussions about rates with potential employers can aid in securing the best possible compensation tailored to individual circumstances.
More salary data for Thornton, 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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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