Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $25.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Columbus, MS runs $25.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,056 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the projected hourly pay for an elementary school teacher stands at $25.02, which is notably below the national hourly median of $31.06. This rate is crucial for individuals considering part-time or per-diem work, such as teaching in K-12 classrooms, special education settings, or offering tutoring services. Specifically, teachers opting for a part-time schedule—say three days a week—can expect their earnings to reflect an adjusted take-home pay that often does not include benefits. For example, hourly earnings range from $19.00 for entry-level positions to $37.46 for experienced educators, with various settings influencing these figures. The lower cost of living index in Columbus may affect the feasible pay structure, which could attract teachers looking for flexible arrangements in after-school tutoring or summer programs.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.00 | $152.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.95 | $191.62 |
| Median (P50) | $25.02 | $200.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.52 | $244.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.46 | $299.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $25.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.02/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $52,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,027. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.91 | $4,337 | $52,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.55 | $2,602 | $31,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.37 | $1,735 | $20,819 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Columbus) | $25.02 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $52,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $55,379.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.02/hr = $31,229/year (purchasing power: $36,439).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,048/year (purchasing power: $60,732).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Columbus grew 7.2% from $23.11/hr (2019) to $24.78/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.27/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Part-time educators in Columbus have the opportunity for additional income through various teaching modalities, like tutoring or substitute work. A teacher working three days a week is likely to earn significantly less than a full-time counterpart, usually generating a fraction of a full-time salary. Per diem roles, such as substitute teaching, can range widely in pay, with rates from $100 to $200 per day, while long-term substitutes can earn between $140 and $250. Those wishing to tutor through platforms may see pay between $30 and $80 per hour. Different education sectors in Columbus also have specific pay scales; public school districts may differ from charter networks and private institutions. As teachers weigh benefits versus pay, some may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance and job stability. Negotiating an hourly rate, particularly in this market, can require careful consideration of one’s experience and desired work-life balance, making it necessary to approach conversations about pay armed with market knowledge and clarity about individual worth.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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