Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $28.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Murray, KY runs $28.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,984 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Kentucky, the projected median hourly pay for elementary school teachers in 2026 stands at $28.03, which is approximately 9.75% lower than the national median of $31.06. This hourly rate influences the earnings of part-time teachers, who might work only three days a week, as well as those in per-diem roles. In typical educational settings such as K-12 classrooms, special education, and after-school programs, these professionals can find diverse positions. The hourly wage range for elementary school teachers in Murray varies significantly, with entry-level educators earning about $23.42 per hour, while top earners can achieve around $43.41 per hour. Such disparities highlight the differences in experience and specialization within the teaching profession, whether in public, charter, or private schools.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.42 | $187.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.64 | $213.11 |
| Median (P50) | $28.03 | $224.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.99 | $279.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.41 | $347.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $28.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.03/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $58,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,638. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,121.28 | $4,859 | $58,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.77 | $2,915 | $34,984 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.51 | $1,944 | $23,323 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Murray) | $28.03 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $58,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.75% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $62,349.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.03/hr = $34,984/year (purchasing power: $39,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,307/year (purchasing power: $65,293).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Murray grew 7.2% from $25.89/hr (2019) to $27.76/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.31/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 Murray 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 Murray
Considering the part-time earning potential in Murray, a teacher working three days a week, assuming around 24 hours total in that period, could expect to take home around $34,250 annually. This contrasts sharply with full-time educators who work a full schedule, typically earning a larger sum. For substitute teachers, daily pay varies widely, often anywhere between $100 and $200 per day for short-term placements. However, those taking on tutoring roles may see a significantly higher hourly pay, ranging from $30 to $80 through online platforms. The variability of pay across different types of educational institutions makes thorough research essential for teachers considering their employment options. Many educators might choose lower hourly rates in public schools for health insurance and benefits, while others may prefer the flexibility of higher pay without benefits in charter or private schools. Negotiating these factors requires understanding the local market and demands of elementary school teacher hourly pay in Murray, KY.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
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 Murray. 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 Murray 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