Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $35.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Lakewood, NJ runs $35.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, the projected hourly rate for elementary school teachers stands at $35.49, significantly higher than the national median of $31.06. This competitive pay can be particularly appealing for those considering part-time roles, such as teaching three days a week, or for per diem positions, which are typically found in various educational environments, including K-12 classrooms, special education settings, and tutoring programs. For elementary school teachers in Lakewood, hourly earnings range from $26.63 at entry-level positions to as high as $55.02 for top earners, reflecting a diverse salary spectrum influenced by experience, specialization, and the specific institution type. These figures are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the economic landscape for educators in a growing suburban area with a cost of living index above the national average.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.63 | $213.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.85 | $254.79 |
| Median (P50) | $35.49 | $283.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.44 | $363.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.02 | $440.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $35.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.49/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,593. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,419.78 | $6,152 | $73,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $851.87 | $3,691 | $44,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.91 | $2,461 | $29,531 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Lakewood) | $35.49 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $73,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,429.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.49/hr = $44,297/year (purchasing power: $38,452).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,828/year (purchasing power: $64,087).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Lakewood grew 7.2% from $32.79/hr (2019) to $35.15/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.84/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Exploring the part-time earning potential, a teacher working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can earn about $43,000 annually, notably lower than full-time counterparts but providing flexibility for other pursuits. The per diem or agency teaching reality allows for rates varying from $100 to $200 daily for substitutes, with long-term substitutes commanding between $140 and $250 per day. For tutoring, rates range from $30 to $80 per hour, with specialized prep tutoring potentially reaching up to $200 in high-cost markets. In Lakewood, elementary school teachers in public sectors, charter systems, and private institutions might find varying hourly advantages. Some educators opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher freelance rates without the safety net. As teachers negotiate these dynamics, being informed about average rates and market demands can enhance their bargaining power.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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