Salt Lake City vs Washington: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Washington, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Washington, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,684▲ | $70,727 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.83▲ | $34.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,622 | $52,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,698 | $66,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,617▲ | $90,241 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,515 | $109,628▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,840▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Washington.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Washington is $7,957 (11.25%). Salt Lake City's median is +21.81% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $53,893,Washington spans $57,440. Washington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salt Lake City ($78,007 effective) pays 8.20% more than Washington ($72,097 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,684/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,007)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Washington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,628)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Salt Lake City grew 52.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Washington over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$51,150 (2019) → $77,920 (2025)
Washington, UT
$59,085 (2024) → $70,041 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Salt Lake City or Washington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Washington?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Washington as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Salt Lake City vs 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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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