Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $24.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Laurel, MS runs $24.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,199 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,724 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Mississippi, an elementary school teacher earns a median hourly pay of $24.62, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.06. This disparity can impact potential part-time workers, such as teachers who work three days a week or offer per-diem services, making them mindful of their budget in various teaching environments, including K-12 classrooms, summer programs, or after-school tutoring. For those entering the field, hourly rates can range from $20.10 for entry-level positions to as much as $37.55 for experienced educators. It's essential to recognize that these figures are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the unique pay scale structures within Mississippi, which further differentiate from higher-cost living areas across the country.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.10 | $160.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.05 | $184.43 |
| Median (P50) | $24.62 | $196.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.45 | $243.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.55 | $300.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $24.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.62/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $51,207 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,543. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $984.76 | $4,267 | $51,207 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $590.85 | $2,560 | $30,724 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.90 | $1,707 | $20,483 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Laurel) | $24.62 |
| 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 Laurel, MS earn a median of $51,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $55,350.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.62/hr = $30,724/year (purchasing power: $35,851).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,207/year (purchasing power: $59,752).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Laurel grew 7.2% from $22.74/hr (2019) to $24.38/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.86/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Considering the distinct earning avenues available, part-time teachers in Laurel working 24 hours a week might find their annual earnings to be less than a full-time teacher. Substitutes, for example, often earn between $100-$200 per day, while long-term substitutes may receive between $140-$250 daily. Tutoring prospects can also vary widely, with platforms offering $30-$80 per hour. The types of employers play a significant role in pay rates, with K-12 public school districts and charter schools presenting different opportunities. Teachers may face trade-offs between possibly lower hourly rates in public education, which often come with benefits, versus higher pay with no benefits in alternative settings. For those negotiating their hourly pay in Laurel, being aware of these factors can help in discussions, especially against the backdrop of a competitive teaching job market with various employer structures.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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