Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $38.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Bristol, CT runs $38.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,959 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Bristol, Connecticut, presents an attractive hourly pay rate for elementary school teachers, with a 2026 median of $38.44 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national median of $31.06 per hour, suggesting that educators in Bristol benefit from a more favorable compensation structure relative to their peers nationwide. This hourly rate allows for appealing part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week or engaging in per-diem roles across various educational settings—like K-12 classrooms, special education, and after-school programs. Hourly earnings can range from $27.55 at the entry-level to up to $59.59 for top earners, illustrating a broad spectrum of pay possibilities for educators based on experience and specific job roles.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.55 | $220.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.75 | $285.98 |
| Median (P50) | $38.44 | $307.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.21 | $393.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.59 | $476.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $38.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.44/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $79,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,132. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,537.72 | $6,663 | $79,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $922.63 | $3,998 | $47,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.09 | $2,665 | $31,985 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Bristol) | $38.44 |
| 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 Bristol, CT earn a median of $79,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.78% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $80,604.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.44/hr = $47,977/year (purchasing power: $44,464).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,962/year (purchasing power: $74,107).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Bristol grew 7.2% from $35.51/hr (2019) to $38.07/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.82/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
For those considering part-time teaching positions, earning potential varies greatly, particularly when comparing a three-day workweek to full-time employment. A teacher working 24 hours per week could see their earnings come close to or exceed those of some full-time roles, especially when factoring in benefits. Substitute teachers in Bristol often receive daily rates ranging from $100 to $200, while long-term substitutes may earn between $140 and $250 per day. For tutoring or additional work through platforms, educators can command hourly rates between $30 and $80, with high-demand subjects—like SAT prep—allowing for fees of $80 to $200 per hour. Different educational employers offer varying hourly rates, with public schools typically following a step-and-lane pay structure that recognizes experience and education. While some may choose roles in public or charter schools for benefits, others may seek higher hourly wages in private education settings, making the decision highly personal and contingent on career aspirations and lifestyle choices in Bristol, CT.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in Bristol?
Are elementary school teachers in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in Bristol?
Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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