Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Scranton, PA: $37.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Scranton, PA runs $37.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Scranton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,402 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Scranton, Pennsylvania, elementary school teachers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.18, significantly higher than the national median of $31.06. This favorable pay provides an advantageous situation for educators considering part-time schedules or per-diem roles in various educational settings. For example, a teacher working three days a week could earn a competitive income while balancing other responsibilities. The hourly wage ranges from $23.41 for entry-level positions to $44.50 for the most experienced educators, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in K-12 classroom teaching, special education, after-school tutoring, and summer programs. These figures are grounded in official BLS data and highlight the financial prospects for educators in the Scranton area.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.41 | $187.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.82 | $238.56 |
| Median (P50) | $37.18 | $297.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.64 | $317.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.50 | $356.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scranton
Based on $37.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.18/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scranton, PA can expect to earn approximately $77,336 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,617. With a cost-of-living index of 93.56 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scranton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scranton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,487.23 | $6,445 | $77,336 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.34 | $3,867 | $46,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.89 | $2,578 | $30,934 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Scranton) | $37.18 |
| 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 Scranton, PA earn a median of $77,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.73% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $77,418.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.18/hr = $46,402/year (purchasing power: $49,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,336/year (purchasing power: $82,663).
CoL index: 93.556 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Scranton grew 29.0% from $28.55/hr (2019) to $36.82/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.55/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 Scranton 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 Scranton
Part-time elementary school teachers engaged in a three-day work week could realize a substantial income, albeit less than full-time colleagues. Assuming 24 hours of work each week at the prevailing rates, their annual take-home would still be considerable compared to many professions, particularly when evaluated against full-time salaries. Per diem elementary school teacher pay in Scranton often translates to daily rates between $100-$250 for substitutes, offering flexibility to those looking to fill gaps in staffing. Additionally, tutoring options through platforms may yield hourly rates from $30 to $80, depending on the subject and demand. It’s essential to note that public and charter schools may have different pay scales, and teachers may sacrifice higher hourly wages for benefits such as health insurance in full-time positions. Negotiation is key here; requesting a compensation package that balances hourly rates and benefits could lead to better outcomes, especially in a market where compensation is often contingent upon both experience and the specific educational institution.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
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 Scranton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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