Creative & Education Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Arlington, VA is $81,431 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$81,431
vs State Avg
+$17,273
vs National
+$19,741
Cost of Living
132%

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $81,431, which is $17,273 above the Virginia state average of $64,158. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $81,431 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Arlington spans from $54,648 at the 10th percentile to $133,320 at the 90th percentile — a $78,672 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,440, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,440. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $55,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,840
+$19,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,440
+$29,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $54,648
25th Percentile $64,416
Median (50th) $81,431
75th Percentile $104,544
90th Percentile $133,320

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$62,924
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$61,690
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$60,456
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$59,222
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Arlington

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Arlington

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Arlington

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Arlington, Virginia is $81,431 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $54,648 (10th percentile) to $133,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,431, a teacher (k-12) in Arlington earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Arlington's median teacher (k-12) salary of $81,431 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $64,158. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $81,431 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Arlington? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Arlington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.