Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $23.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in University City, MO runs $23.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,237 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In University City, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for elementary school teachers is $23.43, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $31.06. This disparity highlights a notable gap in compensation that may impact various working arrangements within educational environments. For individuals considering part-time roles, such as teaching three days a week, earnings can be modest but can still provide a meaningful income, particularly for those balancing other responsibilities or seeking flexible schedules. With entry-level positions starting at around $17.84 per hour and top earners approaching $36.08, the pay structure in University City allows for a gradual increase based on experience and qualifications, whether working in K-12 classrooms, specialized education settings, or summer school programs. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect a trend that could influence new educators' decisions when entering the profession.
About the University City 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) | $17.84 | $142.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.10 | $168.84 |
| Median (P50) | $23.43 | $187.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.44 | $235.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.08 | $288.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $23.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.43/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $48,729 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,113. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.09 | $4,061 | $48,729 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.26 | $2,436 | $29,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.84 | $1,624 | $19,492 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (University City) | $23.43 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $48,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.55% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $49,428.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.43/hr = $29,237/year (purchasing power: $32,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,729/year (purchasing power: $54,385).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in University City grew 7.2% from $21.64/hr (2019) to $23.20/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.66/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 University City 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 University City
Analysis of part-time earning potential for a three-day-a-week teaching schedule in University City shows that educators can expect to take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For instance, working an average of 24 hours weekly would yield approximately $28,000 annually, which may not suffice in a higher-cost living area. Per diem roles provide a more flexible earning avenue but vary widely; substitute teachers generally earn between $100 and $200 per day, while long-term substitutes may receive $140 to $250. Tutoring platforms offer another opportunity, with rates ranging from $30 to $80 per hour, and specialized private tutoring can reach as high as $200 per hour in more affluent markets. Furthermore, hourly rates differ based on employer types, from K-12 public school districts to charter schools and private institutions. Importantly, educators often weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly rates in public sectors that offer comprehensive health benefits and higher-paying, benefit-less private roles. Negotiating hourly pay effectively requires understanding the local market, including service expectations and the benefits that may come with lower pay scales. This knowledge is vital as University City teachers navigate their professional paths.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in University City?
Are elementary school teachers in University City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in University City?
Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in University City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 University City. 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 University City 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