Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $36.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Waipahu, HI runs $36.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Waipahu, Hawaii, the projected median hourly pay for an elementary school teacher is $36.30, significantly higher than the national median of $31.06. This difference reflects the elevated cost of living in the area. For part-time teachers, typically those working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income for classroom instruction or special education roles, especially when supplemented with per-diem work in various educational settings, such as after-school tutoring or summer programs. The hourly pay in Waipahu ranges from $27.32 for entry-level positions to $56.28 for top earners, providing a wide spectrum of opportunities based on experience and specialization. Understanding this hourly rate helps educators weigh their options in varying environments from public schools to charter institutions, where pay scales may differ based on organizational structure and funding.
About the Waipahu 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) | $27.32 | $218.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.42 | $259.40 |
| Median (P50) | $36.30 | $290.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.55 | $356.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.28 | $450.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $36.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.30/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $75,509 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,563. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,452.09 | $6,292 | $75,509 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $871.26 | $3,775 | $45,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.84 | $2,517 | $30,204 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Waipahu) | $36.30 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $75,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $77,056.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.30/hr = $45,305/year (purchasing power: $37,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,509/year (purchasing power: $63,293).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Waipahu grew 7.2% from $33.53/hr (2019) to $35.95/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.66/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time elementary school teachers reveals interesting dynamics. For instance, a teacher working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could expect to take home approximately $44,064 annually, significantly less than full-time salaries. In addition, per-diem and substitute roles provide alternative paths for educators in Waipahu, with daily rates averaging between $100 to $200 for substitutes and higher amounts for long-term positions. Furthermore, specific tutoring platforms can offer rates from $30 to $80 per hour, creating lucrative opportunities for those with specialized skills in subjects like STEM or test preparation. Pay can vary widely across different employer types in Waipahu, affecting decisions on job offers. For example, public school districts typically offer structured pay scales, while private institutions may provide higher rates but lack benefits such as health insurance. Educators looking to negotiate hourly rates should approach organizations in Waipahu with an understanding of the local market and be aware of the trade-offs between higher hourly wages and benefits packages that may enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Waipahu, 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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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