Teacher Salary

Spokane vs Walla Walla: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Spokane, WA and Walla Walla, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Spokane, WA
$99,768
$47.97/hr
Walla Walla, WA
$103,989
$50.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpokane, WAWalla Walla, WA
Median Salary$99,768$103,989
Hourly Rate$47.97$50.00
Entry Level (P10)$61,769$62,608
25th Percentile$79,088$79,037
75th Percentile$109,543$106,302
Top Earner (P90)$109,543$108,018
Total Employed2,340220
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Spokane ($99,768) and Walla Walla ($103,989) elementary school teacher salaries.SpokaneWalla WallaMedian Salary$99,768$103,989Entry Level (P10)$61,769$62,608Top Earner (P90)$109,543$108,018US Median $64,597

Verdict

Spokane and Walla Walla are closely matched on overall elementary school teacher compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Spokane and Walla Walla is $4,221 (4.23%). Walla Walla's median is +60.98% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $47,774,Walla Walla spans $45,410. Spokane has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Spokane
P10 (Entry)$61,769
P25$79,088
Median$99,768
P75$109,543
P90 (Top)$109,543
Walla Walla
P10 (Entry)$62,608
P25$79,037
Median$103,989
P75$106,302
P90 (Top)$108,018

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Walla Walla ($105,552 effective) pays 6.16% more than Spokane ($99,424 effective).

Spokane
Nominal: $99,768
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $99,424
Walla Walla
Nominal: $103,989
CoL Index: 98.519
Adjusted: $105,552

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Spokane if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($109,543)
  • Larger job market (2,340 employed)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Walla Walla if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,989/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,552)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Spokane grew 43.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.8% growth in Walla Walla over the same period.

Spokane, WA

+43.5%

$68,840 (2019) → $98,800 (2025)

Walla Walla, WA

+50.8%

$68,270 (2019) → $102,980 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Spokane or Walla Walla?

Walla Walla has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $103,989/year, compared to Spokane at $99,768/year — a difference of $4,221 (4.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Walla Walla?

Spokane elementary school teachers earn $47.97/hr while Walla Walla hygienists earn $50.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Spokane to Walla Walla as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Spokane and Walla Walla. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Spokane = $99,424, Walla Walla = $105,552), job availability (2,340 vs 220 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Spokane vs Walla Walla?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $61,769 in Spokane and $62,608 in Walla Walla. The Walla Walla area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

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