Elementary School Teacher Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $97,033 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $97,033/year (≈ $46.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $90,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, the financial landscape for elementary school teachers is notably favorable, with the median annual salary projected at $97,033 for 2026. This figure is significantly above the national median of $64,597, reflecting a premium associated with living and working in this region. Salary ranges vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $76,090 and experienced educators earning up to $148,123. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost patterns. Furthermore, the inclusion of shortage stipends for areas such as special education, STEM, and bilingual education can elevate base pay considerably, making the teaching profession in Ellensburg both competitive and appealing.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,090 | $36.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,592 | $42.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,033 | $46.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,797 | $57.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,123 | $71.21 |
Median Salary Position
50.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,033 (2026 est.). At $97,033, the local median is 50.21% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $97,033/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $101,711 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +50.21% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $97,033 per year (2026 est.), which is 50.21% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $101,711.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,033 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $90,347 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,632
2025 BLS Actual
$96,091
2026 Current Est.
$97,033
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,632 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,231 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,033 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,984 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $89,632 (2019) to $96,091 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,984 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,352 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $76,090 – $88,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,592 – $97,033 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,033 – $119,797 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,797 – $148,123 |
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 Ellensburg
With only six elementary school teachers currently employed in the area, job competition remains relatively low, thereby contributing to a stable work environment. However, the cost of living in Ellensburg is elevated, with a cost-of-living index of 107.4, indicating that housing and living expenses are above the national average. This factor necessitates careful financial planning for educators seeking to maximize their purchasing power. In terms of compensation, K-12 public school districts generally adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure, which factors in years of experience and education levels. Additional pay can arise from stipends for summer school or after-school programs, further expanding earnings potential. Teachers can strategically increase their pay by pursuing advanced degrees or National Board Certification, which often garners higher salaries. Understanding local employer dynamics and proactive career advancements can significantly impact long-term financial success for educators in Ellensburg, WA.
More salary data for Ellensburg, 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 $96,091 for elementary school teachersin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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