Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $29.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Smyrna, TN runs $29.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,069 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,648 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Tennessee, the elementary school teacher hourly pay stands at a median of $29.36, which reflects a slight dip from the national hourly median of $31.06. For educators in various settings, such as K-12 classrooms, special education, and after-school programs, this rate influences their overall financial planning. For instance, part-time teachers working three days a week may earn about $21,000 annually, while top earners at the 90th percentile could pull in as much as $45.51 per hour. This range indicates a robust potential for earnings, allowing educators to choose paths that best fit their lifestyles, whether in traditional public schools, charter institutions, or tutoring environments. It’s evident that these figures, derived from a projected annual salary, provide a comprehensive view of the profession's financial landscape.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.93 | $175.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.20 | $209.63 |
| Median (P50) | $29.36 | $234.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.58 | $300.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.51 | $364.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $29.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.36/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $61,079 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,238. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,174.60 | $5,090 | $61,079 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.76 | $3,054 | $36,648 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.84 | $2,036 | $24,432 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Smyrna) | $29.36 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $61,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $60,404.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.36/hr = $36,648/year (purchasing power: $39,921).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,079/year (purchasing power: $66,535).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Smyrna grew 7.2% from $27.13/hr (2019) to $29.08/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.65/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
When considering part-time teaching in Smyrna, educators who work 24 hours a week could take home around $29,336 each year, which is significantly lower than full-time counterparts. This makes the per diem elementary school teacher pay quite appealing, especially as substitutes in public districts can earn daily rates ranging from $100 to $250. Furthermore, the variability in teaching opportunities can determine financial outcomes; while private school and charter networks may offer less predictable pay, they often provide unique advantages like smaller class sizes or specific curricular focuses. Additionally, tutors on platforms like Wyzant can command hourly rates between $30 and $80, presenting a feasible alternative for those looking to supplement their incomes. Ultimately, teachers negotiating pay in Smyrna should weigh the benefits of health insurance and job security against the potential for higher rates in privatized or contract work.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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