Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Springfield, MO: $23.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Springfield, MO runs $23.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,864 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,918 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Springfield, Missouri, the typical hourly pay for elementary school teachers stands at $23.97. This rate is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.06, reflecting broader economic conditions in the region. For educators who are exploring part-time positions—such as those working three days a week in K-12 classroom settings, special education, or tutoring—this pay translates into a structured framework. The hourly range extends from $19.56 at the entry-level to $34.91 for the highest earners in the profession. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, offers vital insights for educators contemplating various roles within the school system, including summer programs and professional development workshops.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.56 | $156.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.95 | $183.62 |
| Median (P50) | $23.97 | $191.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.44 | $235.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.91 | $279.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $23.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.97/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $49,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,767. With a cost-of-living index of 88.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $958.91 | $4,155 | $49,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.34 | $2,493 | $29,918 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.56 | $1,662 | $19,945 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Springfield) | $23.97 |
| 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 Springfield, MO earn a median of $49,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.81% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.90% above the Missouri state average of $49,419.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.97/hr = $29,918/year (purchasing power: $33,773).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,863/year (purchasing power: $56,288).
CoL index: 88.585 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Springfield grew 7.0% from $22.18/hr (2019) to $23.74/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.21/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Evaluating the financial implications of part-time work, a teacher in Springfield taking on a three-day-a-week schedule, amounting to 24 hours, can expect to earn about $28,060 annually, which is a fraction of what full-time colleagues might receive. The reality of per-diem or substitute teaching in Springfield often presents varying pay scales, with daily rates for substitutes ranging from $100-$200, and long-term positions moving up to $140-$250. Moreover, private tutoring opportunities can yield rates of $30-$80 per hour, especially with platforms playing a role in connecting educators with students. Importantly, hourly pay can differ depending on the type of employer; K-12 public schools and charter networks may follow structured pay scales, while private institutions could offer different compensation packages. Some teachers might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, which can significantly impact their overall financial strategy. For those negotiating pay, understanding the local job market, including the competitive rates across various types of educational institutions, is key to achieving fair compensation tailored to their circumstances.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 Springfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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