Creative & Education Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Seattle, WA is $91,301 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$91,301
vs State Avg
+$20,357
vs National
+$29,611
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $91,301, which is $20,357 above the Washington state average of $70,944. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,301 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Seattle spans from $61,272 at the 10th percentile to $149,480 at the 90th percentile — a $88,208 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,160, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,160. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $62,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,160
+$20,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,760
+$29,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,160
+$44,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $61,272
25th Percentile $72,224
Median (50th) $91,301
75th Percentile $117,216
90th Percentile $149,480

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$93,769
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$67,859
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$62,924
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$56,755
Pop. 228,989

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

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Seattle and the surrounding Washington 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 Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Seattle

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Seattle, Washington is $91,301 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $61,272 (10th percentile) to $149,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,301, a teacher (k-12) in Seattle earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Seattle's median teacher (k-12) salary of $91,301 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $70,944. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $91,301 in Seattle 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 Seattle? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Seattle 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.