Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $29.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Kansas City, KS runs $29.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,050 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kansas City, KS, the elementary school teacher hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $29.83 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31.06 per hour, illustrating the regional pay context for educators. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, the hourly wages can significantly influence annual earnings depending on the number of hours worked or instructional days. Evaluating opportunities for per-diem roles, like substitute teaching in K-12 settings or tutoring in after-school programs, reflects variations in compensation. In Kansas City, the hourly pay range for elementary school teachers stretches from $21.17 at entry-level positions to $46.24 for experienced professionals, allowing diverse options for individuals entering the field or seeking flexible work arrangements.
About the Kansas City 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) | $21.17 | $169.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.85 | $206.81 |
| Median (P50) | $29.83 | $238.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.06 | $304.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.24 | $369.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $29.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.83/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $62,045 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,795. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,193.18 | $5,170 | $62,045 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.91 | $3,102 | $37,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.27 | $2,068 | $24,818 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Kansas City) | $29.83 |
| 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 Kansas City, KS earn a median of $62,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.94% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 5.70% above the Kansas state average of $58,704.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.83/hr = $37,227/year (purchasing power: $40,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,045/year (purchasing power: $68,257).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Kansas City grew 7.2% from $27.55/hr (2019) to $29.54/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.12/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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
The earning potential for part-time educators varies considerably—an elementary school teacher working three days a week might earn around $37,720 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. This is in stark contrast to the full-time counterparts who typically accumulate more substantial annual salaries. For those engaging in per-diem work, substitute teachers can expect to earn anywhere from $100 to $200 per day, while long-term substitutes command up to $250 daily. Private tutoring platforms may provide direct pay ranging from $30 to $80 per hour, depending on demand and expertise. Within the competitive landscape of Kansas City, hourly rates differ according to the type of educational institution—public schools, charter networks, or private entities—creating a complex environment for negotiation. Educators might prioritize positions offering health benefits and stability even if the hourly rate is lower, while others may seek higher pay through part-time or freelance opportunities without benefits. Understanding the distinctive features of each type of employment can empower teachers in Kansas City to make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Kansas City, 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 Kansas City. 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 Kansas City 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