Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $29.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Joliet, IL runs $29.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,196 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,723 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the projected elementary school teacher hourly pay in 2026 is $29.43, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $31.06. This hourly rate provides a foundation for part-time roles, such as those working three days a week in classrooms or special education environments, allowing for flexibility in scheduling while offering a stable earning potential. The hourly pay for elementary educators in Joliet ranges from $22.13 for entry-level positions to $45.60 for top earners, enabling new educators to begin their careers in K-12 settings, after-school programs, or summer school initiatives. It's crucial to note that these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, reflecting the different economic demands and living costs in the Joliet area where the cost of living index is below the national average.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.13 | $177.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.45 | $211.57 |
| Median (P50) | $29.43 | $235.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.66 | $301.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.60 | $364.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $29.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.43/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,205 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,311. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,177.02 | $5,100 | $61,205 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.21 | $3,060 | $36,723 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.81 | $2,040 | $24,482 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Joliet) | $29.43 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $61,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.26% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $61,565.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.43/hr = $36,723/year (purchasing power: $37,820).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,205/year (purchasing power: $63,033).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Joliet grew 7.2% from $27.18/hr (2019) to $29.14/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.71/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
There is substantial earning potential for part-time elementary school teachers in Joliet, taking home significantly less compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, a 24-hour workweek translates to around $37,243 per year, a stark contrast to the near full-time earnings of their peers. Meanwhile, per diem or agency positions offer pay between $100-$200 for daily substitutes, with long-term substitutes earning up to $250. Alternatively, educators can engage in tutoring through platforms, earning rates as high as $80 per hour, especially in higher cost-of-living areas. Hourly wages can vary significantly across educational institutions in Joliet, from K-12 public school districts to charter schools and private institutions. Some teachers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits; negotiating these terms is essential for those weighing the value of financial compensation against job security, particularly in Chicago suburbs. Successful negotiation involves research on comparable roles while articulating the advantages of your experience and certifications, including any endorsements or recognitions you may have.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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