Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $30.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Waterford, MI runs $30.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,127 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,870 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, elementary school teachers in Waterford, Michigan can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.34, which is slightly lower than the national median of $31.06. This figure can have significant implications for part-time teachers working in various settings, such as K-12 classrooms, special education, and after-school programs. For educators who work three days a week, these hourly rates not only determine their income but also influence their ability to negotiate pay for per-diem work in summer school programs or professional development training. Additionally, entry-level teachers in Waterford may earn around $23.39 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $47.05 per hour, reflecting a wide pay range that highlights both the potential for growth and the varying demand for teaching talent in the region.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.39 | $187.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.63 | $221.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.34 | $242.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.75 | $309.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.05 | $376.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $30.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.34/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $63,117 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,413. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.78 | $5,260 | $63,117 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.27 | $3,156 | $37,870 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.51 | $2,104 | $25,247 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Waterford) | $30.34 |
| 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 Waterford, MI earn a median of $63,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.28% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $64,679.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.34/hr = $37,870/year (purchasing power: $40,633).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,117/year (purchasing power: $67,722).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Waterford grew 7.2% from $28.03/hr (2019) to $30.05/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.64/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 Waterford 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 Waterford
Considering the earning potential for part-time educators, a teacher working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—would take home around $37,284 annually, which can be significantly lower than full-time salaries. For those in the per-diem sector, the reality is quite varied; substitute teachers typically earn between $100 to $200 per day, and long-term substitutes may see rates from $140 to $250 a day, depending on district policies. Tutoring platforms offer an hourly income ranging from $30 to $80, or even higher for specialized subjects, giving teachers more flexibility. The Waterford market also provides different compensation structures across employer types, from public districts to charter schools and private institutions. It's important to emphasize the trade-offs between negotiating a higher hourly pay without health benefits versus the stability that includes comprehensive benefits offered by many full-time positions. When discussing pay in Waterford, teachers should consider their financial needs and the value of benefits in their overall employment package while advocating for fair compensation based on current local market conditions.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
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 Waterford. 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 Waterford 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