Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $35.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Hilo, HI runs $35.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,129 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,881 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the projected median hourly rate for elementary school teachers is $35.16, which exceeds the national median of $31.06, representing a significant premium of 13.21%. This favorable pay may attract educators considering part-time opportunities, such as those who work three days a week in various educational settings, including K-12 classrooms or after-school programs. The hourly pay range for elementary school teachers in Hilo varies widely, starting at $27.50 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $54.50 for the most experienced educators. These numbers suggest that hourly compensation allows for flexibility in work arrangements, catering to both full-time and per-diem roles, including tutoring and summer school assignments.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.50 | $219.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.17 | $257.38 |
| Median (P50) | $35.16 | $281.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.70 | $357.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.50 | $435.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $35.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.16/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $73,135 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,193. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,406.45 | $6,095 | $73,135 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $843.87 | $3,657 | $43,881 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $562.58 | $2,438 | $29,254 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Hilo) | $35.16 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $73,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $77,059.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.16/hr = $43,881/year (purchasing power: $36,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,135/year (purchasing power: $61,304).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Hilo grew 7.2% from $32.48/hr (2019) to $34.82/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.51/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
The earning potential for part-time elementary school teachers who work 24 hours a week can be substantial; they would take home roughly $43,590 annually, a figure significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts, who enjoy comprehensive benefits alongside higher earnings. Per diem workers in this field, such as substitute teachers, can earn anywhere from $100 to $200 per day in public districts; longer-term substitutes command even higher rates, while specialized tutoring services often range from $30 to $80 per hour. In Hilo's education sector, hourly pay can differ notably based on employer type. Teachers in charter schools may face varying pay scales compared to those in public school districts, with additional considerations for health insurance benefits influencing compensation choices. For those negotiating rates, understanding this local context and leveraging collective bargaining where appropriate can enhance their earning potential while ensuring a sustainable work-life balance.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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