Elementary School Teacher Salary in Bellevue, WA: $104,948 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Bellevue, WA earns a median $104,948/year (≈ $50.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Bellevue's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $97,717 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in Bellevue, WA, is projected to be $104,948, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. With a salary range from $74,591 at the 10th percentile to $162,669 at the 90th percentile, Bellevue offers a competitive pay landscape that reflects its higher cost of living and demand for quality educators. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional pricing, illustrate the strong financial incentives available for teachers in this area. Additionally, special education, STEM, and bilingual teachers can access shortage stipends that boost their overall compensation, enhancing Bellevue's market appeal for prospective educators looking for both financial reward and job stability.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,591 | $35.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,356 | $43.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,948 | $50.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,329 | $64.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,669 | $78.21 |
Median Salary Position
62.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellevue
In Bellevue, WA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,078 (2026 est.). At $104,948, the local median is 62.47% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellevue: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellevue Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Bellevue median: $104,948/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellevue Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $101,693 | +3.20% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +62.47% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $104,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 62.47% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 3.20% above the Washington state average of $101,693.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellevue has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellevue, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,948 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,717 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,943
2025 BLS Actual
$103,929
2026 Current Est.
$104,948
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,943 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,006 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,225 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,948 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,976 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellevue metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $96,943 (2019) to $103,929 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,976 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,033 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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) | $74,591 – $91,356 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,356 – $104,948 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,948 – $134,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,329 – $162,669 |
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 Bellevue
The local job market for elementary school teachers in Bellevue currently employs 26 individuals, indicative of a relatively small but specialized workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, teachers must also consider how purchasing power affects their take-home earnings in this high-cost area. K-12 public school districts generally lead in salaries, but various private and charter schools are also key players, often providing additional financial incentives. Salary disparities are shaped by factors such as district pay structures, shortage area stipends, and opportunities for advanced degree reimbursements. Those aiming to maximize their salaries should pursue National Board Certification, seek summer school contracts, and engage in after-school tutoring, which can provide valuable additional income in an education market where strategic choices can lead to substantial financial benefits.
More salary data for Bellevue, 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
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 $103,929 for elementary school teachersin the Bellevue 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 Bellevue 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