Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Westfield, NJ: $34.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Westfield, NJ runs $34.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Westfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,440 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Westfield, NJ, the elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at $34.81, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $31.06. This salary level allows for a decent income for both part-time educators and those working per diem in roles such as special education, tutoring, or teaching summer school programs. Teachers who work part-time, for instance, often manage a schedule of three days a week, meaning they can achieve a comfortable income without committing to full-time hours. The hourly pay range for elementary teachers varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $25.63 per hour, while seasoned professionals can make as much as $53.95 per hour. The competitive rates in Westfield reflect not just the quality of education but also the high cost of living in this affluent area.
About the Westfield 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) | $25.63 | $205.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.91 | $263.28 |
| Median (P50) | $34.81 | $278.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.17 | $345.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.95 | $431.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westfield
Based on $34.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.81/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,400 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,769. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,392.31 | $6,033 | $72,400 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.39 | $3,620 | $43,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $556.92 | $2,413 | $28,960 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Westfield) | $34.81 |
| 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 Westfield, NJ earn a median of $72,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.70% below the New Jersey state average of $74,414.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.81/hr = $43,440/year (purchasing power: $37,708).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,400/year (purchasing power: $62,847).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Westfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Westfield grew 7.2% from $32.15/hr (2019) to $34.47/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.15/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 Westfield 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 Westfield
Demand for qualified teachers keeps the hourly rates attractive in Westfield; thus, it represents a viable option for part-time employment. For those working three days a week, a typical teacher might take home around $43,000 annually, contrasting with a full-time counterpart who can expect higher returns. Per diem elementary school teacher pay in Westfield varies significantly, with substitute teachers earning between $100 to $200 per day, while long-term substitutes can command $140 to $250 daily. Tutoring platforms may also offer hourly wages that range from $30 to $80. Furthermore, the type of employer can greatly influence pay; positions in public school districts might follow a step-and-lane pay scale, while charter schools may present variable compensation structures. With different benefits and teaching environments in play, those seeking hourly positions must weigh the trade-offs between higher pay and the security of benefits typically associated with full-time contracts. Negotiation also plays a pivotal role; teachers should approach prospective employers with clarity about their worth, particularly in high-demand subjects or specialty areas like STEM.
More salary data for Westfield, 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 Westfield. 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 Westfield 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