Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $38.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Anchorage, AK runs $38.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,027 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Anchorage, Alaska, the projected hourly pay for elementary school teachers is $38.48, which significantly surpasses the national median of $31.06. This elevated rate reflects the higher cost of living in the area, enabling educators to earn a competitive wage for their work. For those who choose part-time roles, such as teaching three days a week, the per diem opportunities can be quite lucrative, especially in settings like K-12 instruction, special education, and after-school programs. The hourly pay for Anchorage teachers varies, with entry-level positions starting around $30.47 and experienced educators earning up to $47.14, throughout various educational environments.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.47 | $243.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.47 | $243.73 |
| Median (P50) | $38.48 | $307.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.14 | $377.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.14 | $377.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage
Based on $38.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.48/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $80,046 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,180. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anchorage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,539.34 | $6,670 | $80,046 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $923.60 | $4,002 | $48,027 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.74 | $2,668 | $32,018 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Anchorage) | $38.48 |
| 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 Anchorage, AK earn a median of $80,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.92% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 16.80% above the Alaska state average of $68,533.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.48/hr = $48,027/year (purchasing power: $45,558).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,046/year (purchasing power: $75,930).
CoL index: 105.42 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+8.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Anchorage grew 6.1% from $35.92/hr (2019) to $38.11/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.86/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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage
Examining the financial implications for part-time and per-diem elementary school teachers, a 3-day work week can yield a substantial income, allowing educators to take home a respectable amount annually compared to their full-time peers. Per diem work can range from $100 to $200 per day for substitutes, with long-term substitutes earning between $140 and $250 daily; specialized tutoring could earn teachers even more, ranging from $30 to $200 per hour depending on the niche. Hourly rates can differ depending on the type of employer in Anchorage, with K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private institutions offering a spectrum of compensation packages. Many teachers might accept lower hourly wages for security features like health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. To maximize earnings, educators should consider negotiations centered around their unique qualifications and the district's demands, enhancing their financial stability within the profession.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
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 Anchorage. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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