Elementary School Teacher Salary in Washington, DC (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$78,790
in Washington · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$71,926
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#31
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in Washington
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Washington, DC is $78,790 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,566/month or $38/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Washington pays 7% more than the typical city.
Washington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $78,790 in Washington is equivalent to $71,926 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 Washington 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, WA | $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 Washington
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $151,000 |
| Registered Nurse | $102,510 |
| Electrician | $78,580 |
| Accountant | $108,670 |
Full cost of living profile for Washington
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Washington, DC is $78,790 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Washington Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Washington Elementary School Teacher pay ($78,790) is 7% above the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Washington?
Yes. Washington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $78,790 salary in Washington has the purchasing power of approximately $71,926 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology