Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Meridian, ID: $29.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Meridian, ID runs $29.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,986 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,189 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Meridian, Idaho, the elementary school teacher hourly pay is projected to be $29.80 in 2026. This rate is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $31.06, indicating localized economic factors that could affect teaching compensation. This median hourly rate translates well for part-time educators working in various instructional settings such as K-12 classroom instruction, special education, after-school programs, or summer school. For those in entry-level positions, the hourly rate starts at $22.86, while experienced professionals can reach up to $46.19. These figures reflect a broader trend where local salaries are often influenced by district funding, the cost of living, and specific programs offered by different educational institutions.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.86 | $182.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.14 | $217.15 |
| Median (P50) | $29.80 | $238.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.58 | $300.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.19 | $369.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $29.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.80/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, ID can expect to earn approximately $61,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,759. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.97 | $5,165 | $61,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.18 | $3,099 | $37,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.79 | $2,066 | $24,793 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Meridian) | $29.80 |
| 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 Meridian, ID earn a median of $61,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.04% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $61,739.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.80/hr = $37,189/year (purchasing power: $39,024).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,982/year (purchasing power: $65,039).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Meridian grew 7.2% from $27.53/hr (2019) to $29.51/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.09/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time and per-diem positions in Meridian sheds light on broader employment trends. A part-time teacher working three days a week may take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, potentially around $37,440 annually versus figures exceeding $61,986 for full-time roles. Substitute teachers in public districts can expect to earn between $100 and $250 per day, while specialized tutoring roles, which can offer $30 to $80 an hour, provide additional flexibility and income potential. Hourly rates can vary based on the type of institution—public, charter, private, or specialty schools—each reflecting different pay structures and benefits. Many educators may choose positions with lower hourly pay but with health benefits, highlighting the importance of weighing financial compensation against comprehensive employee packages. It's essential for educators in Meridian to negotiate their pay effectively, ensuring they are compensated fairly based on their experience and the unique demands of their roles.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in Meridian?
Are elementary school teachers in Meridian paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in Meridian?
Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in Meridian?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Idaho
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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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