Teacher Salary

Eugene vs West Linn: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Eugene, OR and West Linn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Eugene, OR
$64,890
$31.19/hr
West Linn, OR
$72,940
$35.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEugene, ORWest Linn, OR
Median Salary$64,890$72,940
Hourly Rate$31.19$35.07
Entry Level (P10)$48,440$53,455
25th Percentile$59,790$68,600
75th Percentile$83,733$92,912
Top Earner (P90)$94,436$113,057
Total Employed1,0907
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Eugene ($64,890) and West Linn ($72,940) elementary school teacher salaries.EugeneWest LinnMedian Salary$64,890$72,940Entry Level (P10)$48,440$53,455Top Earner (P90)$94,436$113,057US Median $64,597

Verdict

West Linn, OR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.

The salary gap between Eugene and West Linn is $8,050 (12.41%). West Linn's median is +12.92% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $45,996,West Linn spans $59,602. West Linn has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Eugene
P10 (Entry)$48,440
P25$59,790
Median$64,890
P75$83,733
P90 (Top)$94,436
West Linn
P10 (Entry)$53,455
P25$68,600
Median$72,940
P75$92,912
P90 (Top)$113,057

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, West Linn ($71,092 effective) pays 11.27% more than Eugene ($63,888 effective).

Eugene
Nominal: $64,890
CoL Index: 101.568
Adjusted: $63,888
West Linn
Nominal: $72,940
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $71,092

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Eugene if…

  • Larger job market (1,090 employed)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose West Linn if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,940/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,057)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,092)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Eugene grew -2.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in West Linn over the same period.

Eugene, OR

+-2.6%

$66,000 (2019) → $64,260 (2025)

West Linn, OR

+-6.9%

$77,556 (2024) → $72,232 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Eugene or West Linn?

West Linn has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $72,940/year, compared to Eugene at $64,890/year — a difference of $8,050 (12.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and West Linn?

Eugene elementary school teachers earn $31.19/hr while West Linn hygienists earn $35.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Eugene to West Linn as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Eugene and West Linn. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Eugene = $63,888, West Linn = $71,092), job availability (1,090 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Eugene vs West Linn?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $48,440 in Eugene and $53,455 in West Linn. The West Linn area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov