Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in St. Paul, MN: $38.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in St. Paul, MN runs $38.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against St. Paul's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,826 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Paul, Minnesota, elementary school teachers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $38.32, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $31.06. This competitive rate allows for a variety of work arrangements, such as part-time roles, where teachers may work three days a week and balance other commitments. The hourly pay structure can accommodate various teaching environments, including K-12 classroom instruction, special education settings, and after-school tutoring programs. For entry-level positions, teachers may start at $28.21, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn as much as $59.40 per hour, reflecting the range of pay available across different roles in the educational system.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.21 | $225.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.23 | $273.86 |
| Median (P50) | $38.32 | $306.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.82 | $390.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.40 | $475.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Paul
Based on $38.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.32/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Paul, MN can expect to earn approximately $79,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,986. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Paul.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Paul
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,532.88 | $6,642 | $79,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $919.73 | $3,985 | $47,826 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $613.15 | $2,657 | $31,884 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (St. Paul) | $38.32 |
| 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 St. Paul, MN earn a median of $79,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.39% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 7.90% above the Minnesota state average of $73,868.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.32/hr = $47,826/year (purchasing power: $48,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,710/year (purchasing power: $80,923).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in St. Paul grew 7.2% from $35.40/hr (2019) to $37.95/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.70/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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time and per-diem positions reveals intriguing dynamics for educators in St. Paul. A teacher working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, could bring home approximately $45,000 annually, while those working full-time may achieve significantly higher compensation. Per diem elementary school teacher pay in St. Paul often ranges from $100 to $200 per day, a structure that many substitutes and temporary instructors prefer for its flexibility. However, long-term substitutes might earn more, ranging from $140 to $250 per day depending on their assignment and school district. Additionally, educators providing tutoring services can see rates between $30 and $80 per hour through various platforms, further diversifying their income streams. Peer influence, district negotiations, and the lure of benefits like health insurance play sizeable roles in these decisions. Some teachers may choose positions with lower hourly rates for the security of benefits, such as health insurance, while others may opt for higher hourly earnings without these perks. Navigating these options requires careful consideration, especially in a high-cost living environment like St. Paul.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
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 St. Paul. 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 St. Paul 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