Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Camas, WA: $75,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,082 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,909 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,523) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate entering the field of teaching in Camas, WA, can expect an entry-level elementary school teacher salary starting at approximately $75,082 in 2026. This figure, which represents the 10th percentile of earnings, is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $96,523. However, new teachers should anticipate a trajectory that allows for gradual growth, as educators typically progress to earnings around $88,333 at the 25th percentile within the first few years. This upward movement in salary reflects the evolving experience level, reassuring new educators that they can expect financial growth as they develop their careers. With a growth rate of 0.98% projected annually, Camas presents a favorable market for beginning teachers looking to establish themselves in a community that values education.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Camas, WA typically start between $75,082 and $88,333 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,528 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,523 — 49.42% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Washington of $58,000 represents just 77.25% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($75,082/year) in Camas. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $75,082 to $88,333, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Camas is $74,528 ( 99.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,082, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,610.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,493
2025 BLS Actual
$74,353
2026 Current Est.
$75,082
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,136 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,493 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,817 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,493 in 2019 to $74,353 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,817. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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.
Starting Your education Career in Camas
Public school districts in Camas are the primary employers for entry-level teachers, typically hiring through a centralized district application process that includes state license verification. Charter schools, like KIPP and Success Academy, also hire new graduates, often offering alternative certification routes for those keen on working in this educational setting. Aspiring teachers should focus on earning state-approved credentials, which usually include a bachelor’s degree alongside the successful completion of state-required tests such as the Praxis or edTPA. Achieving National Board Certification can further enhance a teacher’s starting pay, positioning them favorably in the job market. First-year teachers should aim to align with district objectives, which often adhere to a step-and-lane pay scale where progression in salary correlates with years of experience and educational achievement. Through strategic gain in credentials, along with understanding the variabilities in salary scales—especially within higher-cost areas—entry-level educators in Camas, WA, can expect a positive financial trajectory as they navigate their early career years.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Camas in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Camas?
Is education school worth it in Camas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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