Elementary School Teacher Salary in Tacoma, WA (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$97,740
in Tacoma · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$86,702
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#3
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in Tacoma
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Tacoma, WA is $97,740 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,145/month or $47/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Tacoma pays 32% more than the typical city.
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 112.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $97,740 in Tacoma is equivalent to $86,702 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Tacoma metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WAYou are here | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Tacoma
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $181,040 |
| Registered Nurse | $120,260 |
| Electrician | $100,230 |
| Accountant | $106,100 |
Full cost of living profile for Tacoma
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Tacoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Tacoma?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Tacoma, WA is $97,740 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Tacoma Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Tacoma Elementary School Teacher pay ($97,740) is 32% above the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Tacoma?
Yes. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 112.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $97,740 salary in Tacoma has the purchasing power of approximately $86,702 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology