Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $48.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Kent, WA runs $48.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,538 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,920 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, elementary school teachers in Kent, Washington will earn a median hourly rate of $48.81, significantly higher than the national median of $31.06. This elevated hourly pay reflects the region's higher cost of living, allowing educators to maintain a sustainable lifestyle while teaching in various settings. For part-time educators working three days a week, this translates to a substantial weekly income that can support both personal and professional development endeavors. The hourly wage range for elementary school teachers in Kent spans from $37.08 at the lower percentile to $75.66 at the higher end, showcasing a broad spectrum of earning potential that aligns with experience and specialized skills. As educators transition across various roles such as after-school programs or summer tutoring, the attractiveness of this pay scale becomes even more evident for those considering flexible work options in the education sector.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.08 | $296.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.15 | $353.19 |
| Median (P50) | $48.81 | $390.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.49 | $499.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.66 | $605.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $48.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.81/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $101,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,576. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,952.55 | $8,461 | $101,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,171.53 | $5,077 | $60,920 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.02 | $3,384 | $40,613 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Kent) | $48.81 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $101,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 57.19% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $101,742.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.81/hr = $60,920/year (purchasing power: $56,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,533/year (purchasing power: $94,537).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Kent grew 7.2% from $45.09/hr (2019) to $48.34/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.29/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 Kent 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 Kent
Comparatively, part-time elementary school teachers working 24 hours a week could take home substantial pay while balancing other commitments, but this would generally be less than a full-time salary. Per diem elementary school teacher pay in Kent tends to vary depending on placement. Substitute teachers can earn between $100 and $200 per day in public districts, with long-term substitutes potentially earning $140 to $250 daily. Tutoring options also abound, with platforms like Wyzant and Varsity Tutors offering rates of $30 to $80 an hour, while private SAT and ACT tutors in high-cost living areas might charge $80 to $200 per hour. Different employers, from K-12 public schools to charter schools and private institutions, offer varied hourly rates, often influenced by local budget constraints and funding. While many educators may opt for roles with lower hourly rates that come with benefits, understanding the nuances of negotiation and the local market can aid teachers in achieving a pay structure that meets their needs—regardless of whether they work full-time or in specialized per diem roles.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
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 Kent. 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 Kent 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