Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Salisbury, NC: $24.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Salisbury, NC runs $24.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Salisbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,598 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Salisbury, North Carolina, the elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at a median of $24.52. This figure is significantly lower than the national hourly median, which is $31.06. For those looking to work part-time, such as teachers opting for a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate translates into different earning scenarios depending on their experience and workload. The range for elementary school teachers in Salisbury varies from $18.54 at the lower end (P10) to $37.62 for the highest earners (P90). This pay structure reflects the demands of different roles, including those in K-12 classroom instruction, special education settings, and after-school programs that may offer flexible hours for part-time workers. Notably, these hourly rates derived from annual estimates are relevant for those considering various teaching environments, from public schools to private and charter institutions.
About the Salisbury Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.54 | $148.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.98 | $175.87 |
| Median (P50) | $24.52 | $196.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.19 | $241.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.62 | $300.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salisbury
Based on $24.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.52/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salisbury, NC can expect to earn approximately $50,997 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,422. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salisbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salisbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.72 | $4,250 | $50,997 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.43 | $2,550 | $30,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.29 | $1,700 | $20,399 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Salisbury) | $24.52 |
| 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 Salisbury, NC earn a median of $51,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.04% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $51,887.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.52/hr = $30,598/year (purchasing power: $32,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,997/year (purchasing power: $54,484).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Salisbury grew 7.2% from $22.65/hr (2019) to $24.28/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.76/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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury
Considering the part-time earning potential, an elementary school teacher in Salisbury who works three days per week, totaling around 24 hours, could see a substantial income that differs greatly from full-time roles. For instance, while a full-time teacher might have a predictable salary, part-time teachers can benefit from flexibility, earning approximately $37,000 annually at current rates. In contrast, per diem elementary school teacher pay in Salisbury can reach about $100 to $200 daily for substitutes, escalating to $140-$250 for long-term substitute roles. Additionally, tutoring opportunities through various platforms could compensate teachers at rates ranging from $30 to $80 per hour, depending on market demand. This landscape of teacher pay emphasizes the variability in earnings based on employment type, with benefits often weighing heavily in decisions to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance. For those negotiating their rates, it's essential to consider both the employer type—whether in public districts, charter networks, or private schools—and the associated benefits as part of the overall compensation package, allowing for a more informed decision-making process in Salisbury's educational environment.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
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 Salisbury. 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 Salisbury 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