Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $28.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Salem, VA runs $28.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,954 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the projected hourly pay for elementary school teachers stands at $28.81, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31.06 per hour. This rate reflects the earnings potential for both full-time and part-time positions. For those working part-time, such as teaching three days a week, this hourly rate offers a viable income option, particularly in settings like K-12 classrooms and after-school tutoring programs. The hourly wage can range significantly, from $21.14 for entry-level positions to $44.45 for experienced educators in specialized roles, such as special education or STEM, making the pay scale fairly competitive within the region. Notably, these hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting a baseline of earnings applicable to elementary education professionals in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.14 | $169.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.11 | $216.91 |
| Median (P50) | $28.81 | $230.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.63 | $285.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.45 | $355.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $28.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.81/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $59,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,572. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.38 | $4,994 | $59,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.43 | $2,996 | $35,954 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.95 | $1,997 | $23,970 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Salem) | $28.81 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $59,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.24% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $61,773.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.81/hr = $35,954/year (purchasing power: $34,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,924/year (purchasing power: $58,066).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Salem grew 7.2% from $26.61/hr (2019) to $28.53/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.09/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 Salem 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 Salem
For educators on a part-time schedule, working 24 hours per week translates to an annual income significantly less than full-time counterparts, as the per diem elementary school teacher pay in Salem might include varied earning levels. Substitute teachers often earn between $100 and $200 per day, while long-term substitutes earn between $140 and $250, depending on the district. Income from tutoring positions can vary widely, with average pay rates of $30-$80 per hour, revealing potential pathways for supplemental income outside regular teaching commitments. Educational environments in Salem, such as public schools, charter networks, and private institutions, have differing pay structures and benefits, leading some teachers to choose positions with lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance. Understanding the nuances of compensation is vital, and educators should be prepared to negotiate their pay based on their unique qualifications, experience, and the competitive landscape in the area.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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