Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Vancouver, WA: $40.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Vancouver, WA runs $40.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,672 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Vancouver's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,208 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Vancouver, Washington, the hourly pay for elementary school teachers is projected to be around $40.23 in 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $31.06, creating an attractive scenario for teachers considering part-time and per-diem roles. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into viable income opportunities in various educational settings, including traditional K-12 classrooms, special education environments, and after-school tutoring roles. The hourly pay scale varies greatly, stretching from $28.54 at the lower end to $62.36 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting a diverse range of experience and responsibilities in the field of education.
About the Vancouver 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) | $28.54 | $228.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.37 | $290.98 |
| Median (P50) | $40.23 | $321.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.49 | $411.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.36 | $498.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vancouver
Based on $40.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.23/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vancouver, WA can expect to earn approximately $83,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,277. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vancouver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vancouver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,609.22 | $6,973 | $83,679 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $965.53 | $4,184 | $50,208 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.69 | $2,789 | $33,472 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Vancouver) | $40.23 |
| 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 Vancouver, WA earn a median of $83,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.53% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 17.70% below the Washington state average of $101,667.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.23/hr = $50,208/year (purchasing power: $46,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,679/year (purchasing power: $77,914).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Vancouver grew 7.2% from $37.16/hr (2019) to $39.84/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.62/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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver
Teachers working part-time in Vancouver can expect a different financial landscape than their full-time counterparts. A part-time elementary school teacher working 24 hours a week, for instance, might earn an annualized amount that still provides a reasonable standard of living. On the other hand, per diem and substitute roles offer flexible earnings, with daily rates ranging from $100 to $250 depending on the school district's budget and the experience level of the teacher. Platforms like Wyzant and Outschool elevate tutoring opportunities further, with rates between $30 and $80 hourly, making this a viable option in a high-cost-of-living area. In analyzing the varied types of employers in Vancouver—public school districts, private institutions, and charter organizations—it becomes evident that pay structures vary significantly. While K-12 public schools typically adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure, charter schools may offer alternative compensation models. Additionally, many educators trade off higher hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, making negotiation skills critical for those in the teaching profession.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Vancouver in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Vancouver. 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 Vancouver 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