Elementary School Teacher Salary in University Place, WA: $99,751 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in University Place, WA earns a median $99,751/year (≈ $47.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $92,878 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for elementary school teachers in University Place, WA, peaks with a median annual salary of $99,751, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. The salary range for teachers in this district spans from $75,171 at the 10th percentile to $154,615 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, derived from state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments, suggest that University Place offers a better financial outlook for educators compared to many areas across the nation. Additionally, teachers with advanced degrees, particularly those at the master's level and above, are likely to find favorable placement in the local step-and-lane scale, enhancing their earning potential. The local job market for educators remains relatively strong, which reflects the area's commitment to quality education and can be attractive for prospective teachers seeking employment opportunities.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,171 | $36.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,188 | $42.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,751 | $47.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,650 | $58.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,615 | $74.33 |
Median Salary Position
54.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,444 (2026 est.). At $99,751, the local median is 54.42% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
University Place median: $99,751/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $101,683 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +54.42% more |
Elementary School Teachers in University Place, WA earn a median of $99,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.42% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $101,683.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,751 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,878 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,143
2025 BLS Actual
$98,783
2026 Current Est.
$99,751
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,143 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,104 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,814 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,262 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,783 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,751 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $92,143 (2019) to $98,783 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,586 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $75,171 – $89,188 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,188 – $99,751 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,751 – $122,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,650 – $154,615 |
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 University Place
With a current employment of just six elementary school teachers in University Place, the local market presents unique challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index of 107.4 indicates that expenses are somewhat higher than the national average, which may impact the purchasing power of teachers' salaries. Among local employers, public K-12 school districts typically provide the most competitive compensation packages, likely influenced by the step-and-lane structure coupled with district-funded stipends in shortage areas, such as special education and STEM. To enhance earnings, educators might consider pursuing advanced certifications or engaging in tutoring and coaching activities outside regular hours. The small number of teaching positions can lead to a tighter job market, but those who strategically improve their qualifications and seek avenues for additional income may find the higher salary brackets within reach, effectively capitalizing on the perceived high cost of living in this district.
More salary data for University Place, 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 $98,783 for elementary school teachersin the University Place 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 University Place 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