Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Lackawanna, NY: $34.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Lackawanna, NY runs $34.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Lackawanna's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,667 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lackawanna, NY, the projected hourly pay for elementary school teachers in 2026 stands at $34.99, which is notably higher than the national average of $31.06. This enhanced hourly rate reflects the local demand for quality education professionals and is significant for those considering part-time roles in educational settings such as K-12 classrooms, special education, and after-school programs. For educators working part-time, such as three days a week, or those taking on per-diem assignments, these rates can translate into substantial earnings while allowing flexibility. Hourly wages can vary widely, ranging from $29.27 for entry-level positions to $54.24 for seasoned educators, highlighting the vast potential for salary growth in the field. These figures are based on annual salary data, offering a comprehensive look at what teaching means financially in this region.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.27 | $234.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.28 | $266.26 |
| Median (P50) | $34.99 | $279.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.71 | $349.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.24 | $433.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lackawanna
Based on $34.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.99/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lackawanna, NY can expect to earn approximately $72,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,987. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lackawanna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lackawanna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,399.58 | $6,065 | $72,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $839.75 | $3,639 | $43,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $559.83 | $2,426 | $29,111 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Lackawanna) | $34.99 |
| 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 Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $72,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $77,757.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.99/hr = $43,667/year (purchasing power: $37,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,778/year (purchasing power: $62,794).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Lackawanna grew 7.2% from $32.32/hr (2019) to $34.65/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.33/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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
Part-time teachers working approximately 24 hours a week in Lackawanna can anticipate a take-home income that complements their lifestyle, yet falls short of full-time earnings. For instance, at $34.99 per hour, a part-time educator would earn an annual income of about $43,700 if they work all 52 weeks, a stark contrast to full-time salaries. Additionally, substitute teachers—especially those accepting per-diem roles—can earn between $100 and $250 daily, depending on their agreements with local districts. It's also worth considering tutoring opportunities, which may rise to $80 an hour for specialized subjects. Various employer types such as K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private institutions in Lackawanna offer different pay scales, influencing how educators strategize their careers. Often, teachers might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, leading to a complex decision-making process as they navigate their compensation options. For those in the market, negotiating effectively is key; understanding local pay structures and being aware of alternatives can empower educators to secure optimal agreements that meet their professional and personal needs.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
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 Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna 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