Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Renton, WA: $50.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Renton, WA runs $50.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,374 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Renton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the elementary school teacher hourly pay in Renton, Washington, is projected to be $50.18, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $31.06. This elevated pay rate reflects Renton's position as a higher-cost living area, which can impact part-time roles or per-diem employment opportunities. For instance, teachers who work three days a week would earn approximately $1,204.32 weekly, translating into a substantial income for those engaged in classroom instruction, special education settings, or after-school programs. The hourly rate spans from $36.35 for entry-level positions to as much as $77.77 for top earners. As these figures are estimated from annual salary data, they highlight the competitive landscape teachers face in various settings, from traditional K-12 schools to specialized tutoring environments.
About the Renton 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) | $36.35 | $290.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.05 | $352.38 |
| Median (P50) | $50.18 | $401.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.57 | $508.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.77 | $622.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Renton
Based on $50.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.18/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Renton, WA can expect to earn approximately $104,368 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,212. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Renton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Renton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,007.08 | $8,697 | $104,368 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,204.25 | $5,218 | $62,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $802.83 | $3,479 | $41,747 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Renton) | $50.18 |
| 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 Renton, WA earn a median of $104,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.58% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $101,729.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.18/hr = $62,621/year (purchasing power: $58,306).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,368/year (purchasing power: $97,177).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Renton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Renton grew 7.2% from $46.35/hr (2019) to $49.69/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.67/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 Renton 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 Renton
In the context of part-time earnings, an elementary school teacher working three days a week—totaling about 24 hours—would realize an income of around $63,162 annually, which may be appealing compared to full-time commitments. For those considering per diem roles, substitute teachers in Renton typically earn between $100 and $200 per day, with long-term substitutes making $140 to $250 daily. Tutoring opportunities, especially for standardized test preparation, can yield even higher rates, with private tutors in the area charging between $80 and $200 per hour. Variability exists across employer types; K-12 public school districts may provide stable hourly pay, whereas charter networks could offer less predictable compensation but with distinct advantages like shorter workdays. Many teachers choose lower hourly rates in public schools for benefits like health insurance, which contrasts with what they might earn for substitute or freelance work without these benefits. Thus, negotiating pay in Renton requires an understanding of both hourly rates and the value of benefits—essential for teachers weighing their options in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Renton, 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 Renton. 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 Renton 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