Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $37.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in South Portland, ME runs $37.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for elementary school teachers in South Portland, Maine, stands at $37.11, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.06. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this translates to attractive earnings potential, especially in various settings like K-12 classrooms, special education environments, summer school programs, and after-school tutoring. The hourly pay range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $29.93 and top earners making as much as $57.52 per hour. This data is derived from annual salary projections, emphasizing the financial viability for educators choosing flexible schedules or per-diem work opportunities within the local education system.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.93 | $239.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.93 | $271.43 |
| Median (P50) | $37.11 | $296.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.10 | $376.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.52 | $460.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $37.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.11/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $77,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,532. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,484.41 | $6,432 | $77,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $890.64 | $3,859 | $46,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $593.76 | $2,573 | $30,876 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (South Portland) | $37.11 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $77,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.49% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 20.00% above the Maine state average of $64,325.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.11/hr = $46,313/year (purchasing power: $46,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,189/year (purchasing power: $77,499).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in South Portland grew 7.2% from $34.28/hr (2019) to $36.75/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.47/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 South Portland 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 South Portland
When examining part-time earnings, an elementary school teacher working three days a week might expect a more manageable annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, in South Portland, many substitute teachers earn between $100 and $250 per day, depending on their role and length of service, while private tutoring can yield $30 to $80 an hour. The diversity in pay scales across different employer types—from K-12 public schools to charter networks—means teachers should weigh their options carefully. This consideration is not only about hourly rates but also about benefits; full-time positions often provide health insurance, whereas per diem roles may not. Teachers negotiating pay in South Portland should be aware of local compensation trends and the competitive rates offered in various educational settings, understanding that while some roles pay less, they might offer significant benefits that can shape their decision-making regarding long-term career paths.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
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 South Portland. 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 South Portland 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