Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Liberty, MO: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Liberty, MO runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,717 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,225 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, Missouri, the typical elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at $23.42, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.06. This disparity affects the financial outlook for educators, especially those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For instance, a teacher working three days a week could find themselves earning less than their peers in other regions or settings, limiting their overall income despite their important role in K-12 education. The hourly pay range extends from $17.74 at the entry level to $36.12 for top earners, indicating some capacity for advancement but still falling short when compared to the national figures. Such rates are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the economic conditions specific to Liberty, where educators may pursue employment across diverse learning environments, including special education classrooms, after-school programs, or summer school sessions.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.74 | $141.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.08 | $168.68 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.90 | $231.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.12 | $288.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberty
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberty, MO can expect to earn approximately $48,708 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,101. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.69 | $4,059 | $48,708 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.01 | $2,435 | $29,225 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.68 | $1,624 | $19,483 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Liberty) | $23.42 |
| 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 Liberty, MO earn a median of $48,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.58% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $49,459.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,225/year (purchasing power: $32,617).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,708/year (purchasing power: $54,362).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Liberty grew 7.2% from $21.63/hr (2019) to $23.19/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.65/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 Liberty 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 Liberty
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time educators in Liberty, a teacher working a 24-hour week would anticipate an annual take-home that starkly contrasts with a full-time salary. Substitute teachers often find attractive daily rates, ranging from $100 to $200, depending on their assignments within public districts, with longer placements earning between $140 and $250 daily. Opportunities in tutoring platforms can pay well, with rates of $30 to $80 per hour, indicating diverse avenues for income generation. Hourly compensation varies significantly based on the type of employer, encompassing public schools, charter networks, and private institutions, each presenting unique payment structures and benefits. Some educators might choose roles with lower hourly wages because they include health insurance and retirement contributions, whereas others prefer higher pay without benefits. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly wages in this competitive field, understanding the local market conditions and being clear about one’s qualifications and experience can enhance their bargaining power effectively.
More salary data for Liberty, MO:
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 Liberty. 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 Liberty 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