Teacher Salary

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.

$48,736
Median Annual Salary
$23.43/hr
Hourly Rate
$37,106
Entry Level (P10)
$75,038
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Elementary School Teacher Hourly Rate in University City, MO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
University City, MO elementary school teacher hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a elementary school teacher in University City earning $23.43/hr would make approximately $28,113 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $48,729 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$28,113Reduced (32 hr/wk)$37,484Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$48,729

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$187.42
per 8hr shift
$937.09
per week
$4,061
per month
$48,729
per year

Schedule Comparison in University City

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing elementary school teacher median salary in University City ($48,736) with Missouri average ($49,428) and the US national median ($64,597).University City$48,736Missouri Avg$49,428-1.40%US National$64,597-24.55%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for elementary school teachers in University City. Baseline $21.64/hr in 2025, projected to $23.66/hr by 2027.$21$22$23$23$242019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.64$22.10$22.27$22.37$23.09$23.78$23.20$23.43$23.66
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$21.64/hrActual
2020$22.10/hrActual
2021$22.27/hrActual
2022$22.37/hrActual
2023$23.09/hrActual
2024$23.78/hrActual
2025$23.20/hrActual
2026(current)$23.43/hrEstimated
2027$23.66/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in University City in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in University City is $23.43/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 0.98% annual growth). Rates range from $17.84 at entry level (10th percentile) to $36.08 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 24.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in University City?

A part-time elementary school teacher working 3 days per week (24 hours) in University City earns approximately $2,436/month, or $29,237/year at the median hourly rate of $23.43. Many elementary school teachers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are elementary school teachers in University City paid hourly or salary?

The majority of elementary school teachers in University City are paid hourly at a median rate of $23.43/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $48,729/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in University City?

A full-time elementary school teacher working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in University City earns approximately $48,729/year at the median hourly rate of $23.43. This is 24.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $75,047/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in University City?

Part-time and per diem elementary school teachers in University City sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $36.08/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Missouri

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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