How does Washington teacher pay compare to the national average?

Washington teachers earn about 1% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Washington teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Washington districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Washington?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Washington.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Washington?

Yes. Almost every Washington district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Washington

Q: What is the average teacher salary in Washington?

The average public-school teacher salary in Washington is approximately $67,687 per year (source: OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Washington teachers earn an average of $67,687 per year — 1% below the national average.

$67,687State Average

$44,700Entry-Level (BS)

#16National Rank

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Washington Teacher Salary Overview

$44,700Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$67,687Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Washington teachers earn 1% less than the national average (-$782)

How Washington Teacher Salaries Work

Washington state salaries vary significantly by district. Following the McCleary Act (2018), the state greatly increased basic education funding. Seattle Public Schools, Bellevue School District, and Lake Washington School District offer among the highest starting salaries. Rural districts in eastern Washington typically pay closer to state minimums.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

The McCleary Supreme Court decision (2012) and subsequent legislation transformed teacher pay in Washington. Many districts now offer starting salaries well above $50,000. Salary schedules typically have 16 steps and 5 lanes based on education level.

Top Hiring Districts in Washington

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Washington Center For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Youth731 open positions Bethel School District155 open positions Federal Way Public Schools136 open positions Evergreen Public Schools132 open positions Wenatchee Public Schools124 open positions Everett Public Schools123 open positions Tacoma Public Schools121 open positions Kennewick School District117 open positions Marysville School District112 open positions Northshore School District110 open positions

6,595 total open positions across Washington school districts.

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Washington ranks #16 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Washington?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Washington teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Washington Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Washington — apply directly on district sites.

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Data sources: OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Washington Department of Education.