Elementary School Teacher Salary in Renton, WA: $104,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Renton, WA earns a median $104,374/year (≈ $50.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Renton's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $97,182 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Renton, Washington, presents a competitive environment for elementary school teachers, with a projected median annual salary of $104,374 in 2026. This positioning is significantly higher than the national median of $64,597, showcasing the city’s commitment to investing in its educators. Salaries range from $75,611 at the lower end (P10) to $161,780 for those in the top tier (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, highlights Renton's robust step-and-lane salary structure, where teachers can find an advantage in pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's or master's +30 certification. The local job market remains strong, with 27 elementary school teachers currently employed, indicating a demand that often translates into competitive compensation.
About the Renton Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,611 | $36.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,620 | $44.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,374 | $50.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,228 | $63.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,780 | $77.77 |
Median Salary Position
61.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Renton
In Renton, WA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,169 (2026 est.). At $104,374, the local median is 61.58% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Renton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Renton Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Renton median: $104,374/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Renton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $101,729 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +61.58% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Renton, WA earn a median of $104,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.58% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $101,729.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Renton has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Renton, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,374 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,182 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,413
2025 BLS Actual
$103,361
2026 Current Est.
$104,374
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Renton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,465 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,208 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,677 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,892 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,361 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Renton metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $96,413 (2019) to $103,361 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,984 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Renton 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) | $75,611 – $91,620 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,620 – $104,374 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,374 – $132,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,228 – $161,780 |
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 Renton
Several factors influence the compensation dynamics for elementary school teacher pay in Renton, WA. The cost of living index is notably high at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries might appear lucrative, the actual purchasing power requires careful consideration. Employers such as local K-12 public school districts are equipped with structured compensation models that account for years of service and educational advancement. With the presence of stipends for specialized positions, like STEM and special education roles, teachers who align with shortage areas can enhance their incomes. The differentiated pay can also reflect summer work contracts or after-school tutoring opportunities that amplify earning potential. To maximize pay in this market, educators should consider pursuing additional certifications and taking advantage of stipends, which can significantly bridge the gap between entry-level salaries and higher compensation tiers available in Renton.
More salary data for Renton, 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 $103,361 for elementary school teachersin the Renton 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 Renton 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