Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Lawrence, IN: $27.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Lawrence, IN runs $27.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,462 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,480 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the elementary school teacher hourly pay in Lawrence, IN, is projected to be $27.63, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.06. This rate reflects a competitive compensation in an area where part-time and per-diem positions are prevalent, especially across K-12 classroom settings, special education environments, and summer school programs. Teachers who work three days a week or engage in per-diem roles can anticipate a range of hourly earnings from $21.97 to $42.82, depending on experience and specific job responsibilities. With such variability, entry-level teachers may start at approximately $21.97, while experienced educators and those in specialized roles can earn salaries closer to the higher end of the scale. Hourly estimates are derived from annual salaries, highlighting the importance of understanding the dynamics of pay structures in this region.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.97 | $175.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.55 | $204.38 |
| Median (P50) | $27.63 | $221.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.34 | $282.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.82 | $342.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $27.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.63/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, IN can expect to earn approximately $57,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,154. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,105.13 | $4,789 | $57,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $663.08 | $2,873 | $34,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.05 | $1,916 | $22,987 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Lawrence) | $27.63 |
| 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 Lawrence, IN earn a median of $57,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.05% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $60,044.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.63/hr = $34,480/year (purchasing power: $37,766).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,467/year (purchasing power: $62,943).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Lawrence grew 7.2% from $25.52/hr (2019) to $27.36/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.90/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Focusing on practical earning potential for part-time educators in Lawrence, a teacher working part-time (24 hours per week) could expect an annual take-home of around $34,308, significantly less than full-time colleagues. For those considering per-diem arrangements, the reality often involves a daily payout between $100-$250—substitutes and long-term substitutes earning within these ranges can find varying compensation based on demand and duration of service. Tutoring also offers lucrative opportunities, with online platforms providing $30-$80 per hour. Additionally, hourly teaching rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type; public schools generally offer stability, whereas charter schools may vary in terms of pay and workload. Teachers must weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance against potentially higher hourly pay in private or charter settings. Negotiation strategies are essential in this environment, as teachers should advocate for competitive compensation while considering the full range of benefits.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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