Elementary School Teacher Salary in McLean, VA: $60,500 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in McLean, VA earns a median $60,500/year (≈ $29.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $58,624 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, the elementary school teacher salary is projected to be $60,500 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $64,597. The salary range for teachers in this area is expected to vary significantly, from $45,352 for the lowest earners to $93,775 for those at the high end of the scale. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price levels reflect the specific economic context of McLean. Given the competitive nature of this upscale market, the presence of shortage stipends for teachers in special education, STEM, and bilingual education can add substantially to base pay, making it an essential consideration for educators seeking higher compensation.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,352 | $21.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,964 | $25.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,500 | $29.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,499 | $36.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,775 | $45.09 |
Median Salary Position
6.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,423 (2026 est.). At $60,500, the local median is 6.34% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McLean Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
McLean median: $60,500/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $61,798 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -6.34% less |
Elementary School Teachers in McLean, VA earn a median of $60,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.34% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $61,798.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,500 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,624 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,886
2025 BLS Actual
$59,913
2026 Current Est.
$60,500
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,075 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,778 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,741 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,913 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,500 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $55,886 (2019) to $59,913 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,207 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,352 – $53,964 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,964 – $60,500 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,500 – $75,499 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,499 – $93,775 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in McLean
Employment for elementary school teachers in McLean is limited, with only 11 positions in the field contributing to a unique and competitive job market. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 103.2, indicating that residents face higher expenses than the national average. Thus, understanding how much do elementary school teachers make in McLean becomes crucial for gauging purchasing power. Notably, K-12 public school districts typically offer structured pay scales based on education and experience, but competitive salaries can also be found in specific charter school networks and private institutions. To maximize potential earnings in this environment, teachers should focus on obtaining advanced degrees, National Board Certification, and actively seeking roles in shortage areas, which often command higher stipends. Additionally, pursuing opportunities for summer or extended-year contracts, as well as after-school programs, can further enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,913 for elementary school teachersin the McLean metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McLean 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