Teacher Salary

Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $30.07 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Lincoln, NE runs $30.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,547 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,530 per year.

$62,547
Median Annual Salary
$30.07/hr
Hourly Rate
$62,547
Entry Level (P10)
$78,148
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Elementary School Teacher Hourly Rate in Lincoln, NE — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lincoln, NE elementary school teacher hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Lincoln, Nebraska, the elementary school teacher hourly pay is projected to be $30.07 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.06. This rate applies within diverse educational settings, including K-12 classroom instruction, special education, and after-school programs, providing a baseline for both full-time and part-time educators. For part-time teachers working three days a week, the pay can offer flexibility and a reasonable income, whether they are involved in tutoring programs, summer school, or professional development sessions. The range for elementary school teachers in Lincoln typically spans from $30.07 to $37.57 per hour, reflecting the earnings potential from entry-level positions to those with significant experience and advanced credentials, such as National Board Certification. This official BLS hourly data illustrates the financial landscape educators can expect in this growing field.

Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$30.07$240.57
Lower Range (P25)$30.07$240.57
Median (P50)$30.07$240.57
Upper Range (P75)$37.57$300.60
Top Earners (P90)$37.57$300.60

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln

Based on $30.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a elementary school teacher in Lincoln earning $30.07/hr would make approximately $36,086 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $62,549 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$36,086Reduced (32 hr/wk)$48,115Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$62,549

At $30.07/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $62,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,086. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$240.57
per 8hr shift
$1,202.87
per week
$5,212
per month
$62,549
per year

Schedule Comparison in Lincoln

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,202.87$5,212$62,549
Part-Time (24 hrs)$721.72$3,127$37,530
Per Diem (16 hrs)$481.15$2,085$25,020

Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Elementary School Teacher (Lincoln)$30.07
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing elementary school teacher median salary in Lincoln ($62,547) with Nebraska average ($59,118) and the US national median ($64,597).Lincoln$62,547Nebraska Avg$59,118+5.80%US National$64,597-3.17%

Elementary School Teachers in Lincoln, NE earn a median of $62,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.17% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 5.80% above the Nebraska state average of $59,118.

Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $30.07/hr = $37,530/year (purchasing power: $40,980).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,549/year (purchasing power: $68,300).

CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$29.22/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$29.78/hr

2026 Current Est.

$30.07/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+3.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lincoln (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for elementary school teachers in Lincoln. Baseline $29.22/hr in 2025, projected to $30.37/hr by 2027.$23$25$27$29$322019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.22$29.77$29.43$24.01$25.46$29.05$29.78$30.07$30.37
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$29.22/hrActual
2020$29.77/hrActual
2021$29.43/hrActual
2022$24.01/hrActual
2023$25.46/hrActual
2024$29.05/hrActual
2025$29.78/hrActual
2026(current)$30.07/hrEstimated
2027$30.37/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Lincoln grew 1.9% from $29.22/hr (2019) to $29.78/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.37/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lincoln metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Lincoln

For those contemplating part-time roles, a teacher working three days a week—roughly 24 hours—could earn about $37,581 annually, a figure significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, who receive the full benefits and salaries associated with a 40-hour workweek. Per diem elementary school teacher pay in Lincoln may vary considerably; substitute teachers often receive between $100 and $200 per day, with long-term substitutes commanding rates from $140 to $250. Tutoring positions, whether through agencies like Wyzant or independently, can yield $30 to $80 per hour, underscoring the variability in income depending on the setting. Additionally, K-12 public schools, charter schools, and private institutions all demonstrate different pay scales influenced by their operational structures and funding. Many educators face a dilemma when considering the trade-offs of higher hourly pay in some settings against the comprehensive health benefits typically offered in full-time public school roles. Negotiating hourly rates can involve emphasizing experience, specialized skills, and adaptability, ensuring that teachers in Lincoln secure competitive compensation while considering the overall benefits package offered by their employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Lincoln in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Lincoln is $30.07/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 0.98% annual growth). Rates range from $30.07 at entry level (10th percentile) to $37.57 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.2% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in Lincoln?

A part-time elementary school teacher working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Lincoln earns approximately $3,127/month, or $37,530/year at the median hourly rate of $30.07. Many elementary school teachers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are elementary school teachers in Lincoln paid hourly or salary?

The majority of elementary school teachers in Lincoln are paid hourly at a median rate of $30.07/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $62,549/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in Lincoln?

A full-time elementary school teacher working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Lincoln earns approximately $62,549/year at the median hourly rate of $30.07. This is 3.2% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $78,155/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in Lincoln?

Part-time and per diem elementary school teachers in Lincoln sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $37.57/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

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 Lincoln. 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

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