Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $45.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Tukwila, WA runs $45.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,408 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median hourly rate of $45.20 in 2026, Tukwila's elementary school teacher hourly pay significantly surpasses the national median of $31.06. This rate highlights not only the value placed on educators in Tukwila but also the various work arrangements available, including part-time and per-diem roles across diverse educational settings such as K-12 classrooms, special education environments, and after-school tutoring programs. For those considering part-time positions, a teacher working three days a week may earn an estimated $36.87 to $69.02 per hour, allowing flexibility while still providing substantial income. The hourly range for elementary school teachers in Tukwila spans from entry-level positions starting at approximately $36.87 to seasoned educators earning upwards of $69.02 per hour, illustrating the potential pay scale based on experience and qualifications.
About the Tukwila 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) | $36.87 | $294.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.28 | $330.24 |
| Median (P50) | $45.20 | $361.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.82 | $446.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.02 | $552.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $45.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.20/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $94,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,238. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,807.95 | $7,834 | $94,013 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,084.77 | $4,701 | $56,408 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $723.18 | $3,134 | $37,605 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Tukwila) | $45.20 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $94,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.55% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $101,753.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.20/hr = $56,408/year (purchasing power: $52,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,013/year (purchasing power: $87,536).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Tukwila grew 7.2% from $41.75/hr (2019) to $44.76/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.64/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Considering the earning potential of part-time elementary school teachers in Tukwila, working just 24 hours a week can offer an attractive income when projected across the year. For instance, a teacher in this arrangement can expect to earn around $56,736 annually, which is competitive compared to what many full-time teachers receive. On the per-diem side, substitutes often earn between $100 and $250 per day, with long-term placements yielding even higher rates. Additionally, tutoring platforms may offer $30 to $80 per hour, while SAT and ACT prep leads to private rates of $80 to $200 in high-cost living areas like Tukwila. The variability in pay across various employer types, such as K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private institutions, reflects the diverse options available to educators seeking different work conditions and benefits. Negotiating pay can be vital; educators may want to weigh the benefits of hourly rates versus benefits like health insurance when deciding on their employment opportunities. Understanding the local market dynamics can empower educators to make informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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