Teacher (K-12) Salary in Tacoma, Washington
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Tacoma, WA is $67,859 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.
Teacher (K-12) Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)
Tacoma offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $67,859, which is $3,085 below the Washington state average of $70,944. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Tacoma pays above average for this role.
Tacoma's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Tacoma spans from $45,540 at the 10th percentile to $111,100 at the 90th percentile — a $65,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Teacher (K-12) Salary in Tacoma by Experience
In Tacoma, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA
| Percentile | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $45,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,680 |
| Median (50th) | $67,859 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $111,100 |
Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Tacoma
Education
Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Tacoma
Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Tacoma, WA: