Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $24.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Independence, MO runs $24.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,451 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,271 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for elementary school teachers is $24.26, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $31.06. This discrepancy indicates the challenges faced by local educators, especially those who may wish to work part-time or as per-diem staff. Teachers working in various environments—whether in K-12 classrooms, special education, after-school programs, or summer sessions—must consider how the $24.26 hourly rate translates into their weekly earnings. The hourly pay ranges from $18.57 for entry-level positions to as much as $37.59 for top earners, highlighting the potential for growth as teachers gain experience and credentials.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.57 | $148.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.04 | $176.35 |
| Median (P50) | $24.26 | $194.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.53 | $244.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.59 | $300.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $24.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.26/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,451 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,106. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $970.22 | $4,204 | $50,451 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.13 | $2,523 | $30,271 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.09 | $1,682 | $20,180 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Independence) | $24.26 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $50,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.90% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $49,413.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.26/hr = $30,271/year (purchasing power: $33,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,451/year (purchasing power: $56,307).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Independence grew 7.2% from $22.41/hr (2019) to $24.02/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.49/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 Independence 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 Independence
Elementary school teachers who opt for part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, can expect to earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts annually, making a targeted pursuit of job opportunities essential. While many rely on consistent employment in public districts, substitutes can earn between $100 and $250 per day depending on their experience and district policies. Tutoring jobs offer another avenue, with platforms like Wyzant providing earnings around $30-$80 per hour, particularly lucrative in high-cost-of-living (HCOL) markets. Teacher salaries in Independence also vary greatly across different institutions, including public schools, charter networks, and private schools, impacting the choice educators make regarding health insurance versus higher hourly rates. Negotiating for better rates while understanding district budgets and state licensure structures can also enhance earning potential for those in this essential field.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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