Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $47.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in University Place, WA runs $47.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,751 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for elementary school teachers in University Place, Washington, is projected to reach a median of $47.96, significantly above the national median of $31.06. This higher pay reflects the region's cost of living, which is above the national average, and offers attractive opportunities for part-time and per-diem educators. For those working part-time, such as a teacher on a three-day-per-week schedule, the potential earnings can add up substantially, given the median hourly rate. The accessibility of positions spans various settings, including traditional K-12 classrooms, special education environments, and after-school tutoring programs, where hourly wages range from $36.14 for entry-level to $74.33 for experienced professionals. Given these figures, hourly rates estimated from annual salary data present a compelling case for pursuing teaching positions in this locale.
About the University Place 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) | $36.14 | $289.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.88 | $343.01 |
| Median (P50) | $47.96 | $383.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.96 | $471.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.33 | $594.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $47.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.96/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $99,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,546. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,918.22 | $8,312 | $99,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,150.93 | $4,987 | $59,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.29 | $3,325 | $39,899 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (University Place) | $47.96 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $99,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.42% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $101,683.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.96/hr = $59,848/year (purchasing power: $55,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,747/year (purchasing power: $92,875).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in University Place grew 7.2% from $44.30/hr (2019) to $47.49/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.43/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 University Place 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 University Place
For teachers considering a part-time role in University Place, the financial implications can vary widely. An elementary school teacher working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $37,000 annually, which serves as a contrast to full-time earnings. Per-diem or agency educators may find themselves in a unique pay scenario, as substitute teachers generally earn between $100 and $200 for a day, while long-term substitutes can make from $140 to $250 daily. Tutoring platforms might offer $30 to $80 an hour, with specialized SAT and ACT prep coaching bringing in up to $200 an hour in high-cost-of-living markets. In University Place, hourly compensation fluctuates across different employer types, including public K-12 districts, charter schools, and private institutions. Prospective educators often face a trade-off in choosing higher hourly wages without benefits or lower rates that come with health insurance options. Negotiating effectively can be vital, and teachers should be prepared to leverage their experience and qualifications, especially when engaging with various educational entities in the area.
More salary data for University Place, 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 University Place. 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 University Place 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