Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Aiken, SC: $29.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Aiken, SC runs $29.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Aiken's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,597 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aiken, SC, the hourly pay for elementary school teachers is projected to be $29.32 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.06. This rate provides a solid foundation for educators working part-time or in per-diem roles, such as those involved in K-12 classroom instruction, tutoring, or summer school programs. For part-time teachers working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a comfortable living, while the wide range from $22.64 at entry-level positions to $45.45 for the highest earners reflects the diverse spectrum of teaching opportunities available in the region. Teachers in settings like special education or after-school programs may find variable compensation arrangements that align with their expertise and hours worked.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.64 | $181.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.62 | $212.95 |
| Median (P50) | $29.32 | $234.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.03 | $296.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.45 | $363.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aiken
Based on $29.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.32/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aiken, SC can expect to earn approximately $60,995 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,190. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aiken.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aiken
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,172.98 | $5,083 | $60,995 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.79 | $3,050 | $36,597 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.19 | $2,033 | $24,398 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Aiken) | $29.32 |
| 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 Aiken, SC earn a median of $60,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $61,483.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.32/hr = $36,597/year (purchasing power: $39,997).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,995/year (purchasing power: $66,661).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Aiken grew 7.2% from $27.09/hr (2019) to $29.04/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.61/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 Aiken 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 Aiken
Part-time elementary school teachers in Aiken earning $29.32 per hour can expect to take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, as a 3-day work week equates to about 24 hours weekly. In contrast, per diem roles offer a different economic reality. Substitute teachers often receive between $100 and $200 per day in public districts, and those taking on long-term positions can earn even more, ranging from $140 to $250 daily. Additionally, tutoring services may pay between $30 and $80 per hour, making this an appealing choice for flexible work schedules. Variations in hourly rates are common across different types of education employers in Aiken, including public school districts and charter schools. Some teachers might accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, highlighting qualifications and emphasizing flexibility to meet institutional needs can be effective strategies when discussing compensation structures in this local educational market.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
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 Aiken. 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 Aiken 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