Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Gallup, NM: $27.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Gallup, NM runs $27.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,695 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Gallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gallup, New Mexico, the typical elementary school teacher earns a median hourly rate of $27.25, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.06. This disparity illustrates the economic challenges faced by educators in this region, particularly when considering the variation in job settings. With a range from $22.50 (P10) to $41.92 (P90), the hourly pay for teachers varies significantly based on experience and specific roles. Part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, would typically command pay within this spectrum, offering flexibility for those balancing multiple commitments. Per-diem roles in environments such as K-12 classrooms, special education settings, and summer programs can also provide significant opportunities, especially for teachers who want to supplement their income.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.50 | $179.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.70 | $205.60 |
| Median (P50) | $27.25 | $218.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.42 | $275.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.92 | $335.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallup
Based on $27.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.25/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallup, NM can expect to earn approximately $56,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,705. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,090.18 | $4,724 | $56,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $654.11 | $2,834 | $34,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.07 | $1,890 | $22,676 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Gallup) | $27.25 |
| 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 Gallup, NM earn a median of $56,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $60,963.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.25/hr = $34,014/year (purchasing power: $36,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,689/year (purchasing power: $60,052).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Gallup grew 7.2% from $25.18/hr (2019) to $26.99/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.52/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 Gallup 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 Gallup
Consider a part-time elementary school teacher in Gallup who works three days a week and totals around 24 hours. Over the course of the year, their annual take-home could reflect the inherent trade-off in teaching—working fewer days often leads to lower earnings compared to full-time faculty. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, substitute teachers in public districts might find daily rates ranging from $100 to $200, while positions requiring longer commitments can offer as much as $250 per day. Additionally, tutoring platforms provide hourly pay from $30 to $80, allowing for varied income streams based on experience and demand. In navigating pay structures, teachers might find themselves weighing benefits packages against hourly rates, commonly trading lower pay for health insurance coverage. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing earnings within educational environments in Gallup, with practical negotiations being crucial for securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
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 Gallup. 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 Gallup 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