Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Wilmington, NC runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,713 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,225 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the projected hourly pay for elementary school teachers in 2026 stands at $23.42. This figure is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.06, reflecting the unique economic dynamics within the region. For educators considering part-time options, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to about $28,000 annually for a typical teaching schedule. Per-diem work in settings like K-12 classrooms, special education environments, and summer school programs also falls within this pay structure, but opportunities might exist for higher earnings. Entry-level teachers can expect to earn around $19.41 per hour, whereas seasoned educators in the highest pay bracket earn up to $29.51 per hour. This official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the multifaceted nature of compensation within the Wilmington school system.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.41 | $155.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.90 | $183.22 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.16 | $233.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.51 | $236.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $48,708 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,101. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.69 | $4,059 | $48,708 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.01 | $2,435 | $29,225 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.68 | $1,624 | $19,483 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Wilmington) | $23.42 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $48,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.59% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 6.10% below the North Carolina state average of $51,877.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,225/year (purchasing power: $30,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,708/year (purchasing power: $50,515).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Wilmington grew 2.8% from $22.55/hr (2019) to $23.19/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.65/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Looking beyond the base hourly rate reveals varied earning potential among elementary school teachers in Wilmington. A part-time teacher putting in 24 hours weekly would bring home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, limiting their annual earnings potential. For those considering alternative pathways, such as per-diem placements, the compensation can range widely; substitute teachers earn $100-$200 per day, with long-term substitutes commanding $140-$250. Tutoring through various platforms can yield even more competitive pay, often between $30-$80 per hour. When it comes to employer types, K-12 public schools, charter schools like KIPP, and private educational institutions offer differing hourly rates influenced by funding and benefit packages. Some teachers opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, contrasting with those who prefer higher pay without such perks. Understanding the regional context and negotiating based on specific working conditions can significantly impact a teacher's financial wellbeing in Wilmington, NC.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in Wilmington?
Are elementary school teachers in Wilmington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in Wilmington?
Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in Wilmington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Wilmington. 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