Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $48.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Burien, WA runs $48.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,244 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,743 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teachers in Burien, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $48.67, which significantly exceeds the national median of $31.06. This higher hourly pay reflects the area’s cost of living and demand for qualified educators, often making it a viable choice for individuals considering part-time roles or per diem opportunities. For teachers working in various settings—such as K-12 classrooms, special education, tutoring programs, or summer school—the hourly rate provides a solid foundation for earnings, ranging from $37.62 at the lower end (P10) to $75.44 for the highest earners (P90) in the field. The flexibility inherent in hourly work allows educators in Burien to explore positions across diverse environments, benefiting both their schedules and financial needs.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.62 | $300.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.39 | $355.13 |
| Median (P50) | $48.67 | $389.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.30 | $498.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.44 | $603.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $48.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.67/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $101,239 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,407. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,946.89 | $8,437 | $101,239 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.14 | $5,062 | $60,743 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.76 | $3,375 | $40,495 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Burien) | $48.67 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $101,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.73% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $101,752.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.67/hr = $60,743/year (purchasing power: $56,558).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,239/year (purchasing power: $94,263).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Burien grew 7.2% from $44.96/hr (2019) to $48.20/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.15/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 Burien 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 Burien
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time elementary school teachers, those working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, can expect considerable differences in annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Many choose to work as substitutes or per diem educators, where daily rates can vary widely, often between $100 and $250 depending on the district, with the possibility of tutoring earning anywhere from $30 to $200 per hour. Teachers employed in Burien’s public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions experience varying pay scales, with often lower hourly wages at some charter networks but potentially higher compensation in specialized areas such as special education or STEM. Additionally, teachers may negotiate their hourly pay based on benefits; accepting a lower rate in exchange for healthcare and retirement packages can influence their long-term financial stability. Being informed about the different approaches to negotiation in Burien—whether for per diem positions or full-time roles—can empower educators to make choices that align best with their career goals and financial considerations.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time elementary school teachers make in Burien?
Are elementary school teachers in Burien paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time elementary school teacher make per year in Burien?
Do elementary school teachers earn more per hour working part-time in Burien?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Burien. 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 Burien 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