Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Salina, KS: $27.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Salina, KS runs $27.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,818 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Salina's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,089 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, KS, the elementary school teacher hourly pay is projected to be $27.32 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.06, presenting a challenging environment for educators looking to maximize their income. For those working part-time, such as teaching three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a steady but modest income when combined with the typical workload, often centered around K-12 classroom instruction, special education settings, and even after-school programs. Teachers just entering the field may earn at the lower end of the spectrum, with hourly pay starting around $22.24, while experienced professionals can make up to $42.12, reflecting the variety of experiences and certifications available, including advanced qualifications like National Board Certification.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.24 | $177.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.64 | $205.11 |
| Median (P50) | $27.32 | $218.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.70 | $269.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.12 | $336.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salina
Based on $27.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.32/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salina, KS can expect to earn approximately $56,815 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,778. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,092.60 | $4,735 | $56,815 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.56 | $2,841 | $34,089 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.04 | $1,894 | $22,726 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Salina) | $27.32 |
| 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 Salina, KS earn a median of $56,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $58,697.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.32/hr = $34,089/year (purchasing power: $37,502).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,815/year (purchasing power: $62,503).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Salina grew 7.2% from $25.23/hr (2019) to $27.05/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.58/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 Salina 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 Salina
The reality of working part-time or as a per diem educator adds layers of complexity to the hourly compensation scenario in Salina. A teacher working a 24-hour week would see significantly different earnings than their full-time counterparts, making consistent financial planning more difficult. For example, per diem elementary school teacher pay in Salina can vary considerably, with substitute positions earning anywhere from $100 a day to $250 for long-term assignments. Educators who might consider tutoring through platforms could earn $30 to $80 per hour, providing an alternative or supplemental income source. Furthermore, the hourly rates differ across employer types—whether in public schools, charter networks, or private institutions—reflecting varying priorities, such as benefits versus wages. As teachers weigh their options, many must negotiate the trade-offs between a lower hourly pay with healthcare benefits and potentially higher rates without such safety nets, navigating the needs of their unique situations in Salina's educational context.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
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 Salina. 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 Salina 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