Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Hays, KS: $26.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Hays, KS runs $26.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Hays's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,993 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, the hourly compensation for elementary school teachers stands at $26.44. This figure falls below the national median of $31.06, reflecting regional economic conditions and a cost of living index of 90.9, which is below the national average. For educators considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week in various settings like K-12 classrooms, after-school tutoring, or summer programs, this hourly pay translates to a reasonable income for a reduced schedule. Entry-level teachers might earn approximately $22.10 per hour, while highly experienced professionals can command rates up to $40.93 per hour, providing a substantial range based on experience and skill level. These rates derive from estimates structured around annual salaries, making them relevant for various teaching environments, including special education and professional development.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.10 | $176.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.15 | $201.23 |
| Median (P50) | $26.44 | $211.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.05 | $264.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.93 | $327.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hays
Based on $26.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.44/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hays, KS can expect to earn approximately $54,988 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,724. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hays.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hays
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,057.46 | $4,582 | $54,988 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $634.48 | $2,749 | $32,993 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.99 | $1,833 | $21,995 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Hays) | $26.44 |
| 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 Hays, KS earn a median of $54,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $58,737.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.44/hr = $32,993/year (purchasing power: $36,296).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,988/year (purchasing power: $60,493).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Hays grew 7.2% from $24.42/hr (2019) to $26.18/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.70/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 Hays 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 Hays
A part-time instructor teaching three days a week, for a total of 24 hours, might earn around $25,000 annually, compared to their full-time peers who make significantly more under the traditional full-time structure. Per diem elementary school teacher pay in Hays can vary widely, with substitute educators often earning between $100 and $200 daily, while long-term substitutes command rates from $140 to $250 per day. Tutoring opportunities can yield anywhere from $30 to $80 per hour through platforms such as Wyzant and Outschool. Within different educational contexts, there are distinct pay variations, with K-12 public schools typically adhering to a step-and-lane salary structure influenced by experience and educational attainment, while charter schools and private institutions may differ significantly. Many educators must weigh the trade-off between lower hourly rates that often include health benefits versus potentially higher pay without such financial support. For teachers in Hays, understanding local market conditions and considering negotiation strategies can be crucial for maximizing their pay potential in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
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 Hays. 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 Hays 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