Elementary School Teacher Salary in Tukwila, WA: $94,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Tukwila, WA earns a median $94,019/year (≈ $45.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $87,541 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, WA, the projected 2026 median annual salary for an elementary school teacher is $94,019, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. The salary range illustrates the variation in compensation, with figures ranging from $76,684 at the 10th percentile to $143,565 at the 90th percentile. These data points reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost-of-living adjustments. Teachers with advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree plus additional credits, typically find themselves positioned further along the step-and-lane pay scale, enhancing their earning potential. This localized salary landscape indicates a competitive market for qualified educators in Tukwila, emphasizing ongoing demand for skilled professionals in the area.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,684 | $36.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,868 | $41.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,019 | $45.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,103 | $55.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,565 | $69.02 |
Median Salary Position
45.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,881 (2026 est.). At $94,019, the local median is 45.55% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $94,019/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $101,753 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +45.55% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $94,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.55% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $101,753.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $94,019 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $87,541 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,848
2025 BLS Actual
$93,107
2026 Current Est.
$94,019
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,848 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,366 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,789 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,685 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,403 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,941 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $86,848 (2019) to $93,107 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,941 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,093 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $76,684 – $85,868 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,868 – $94,019 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,019 – $116,103 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,103 – $143,565 |
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 Tukwila
The job market for elementary school teachers in Tukwila is relatively stable, with only four educators currently employed, suggesting limited job openings but possible competitive advantages for prospective hires. The cost of living index, standing at 107.4, indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting the purchasing power of teachers’ salaries. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the highest pay, but private schools and charter networks are also present, each with varying compensation structures. Factors influencing the disparity between low and high salaries include the district's step-and-lane pay scale, which accounts for years of experience and educational attainment, as well as additional stipends for specialized roles such as special education or STEM. To maximize salary potential in this market, teachers should consider pursuing advanced degrees, seeking positions in shortage areas, and exploring opportunities for coaching or tutoring stipends, all of which can enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Tukwila, 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 $93,107 for elementary school teachersin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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