Teacher Salary

Kennewick vs Longview: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Kennewick, WA and Longview, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kennewick, WA
$101,364
$48.73/hr
Longview, WA
$80,693
$38.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKennewick, WALongview, WA
Median Salary$101,364$80,693
Hourly Rate$48.73$38.80
Entry Level (P10)$67,031$62,274
25th Percentile$80,380$78,189
75th Percentile$112,785$104,403
Top Earner (P90)$117,117$104,989
Total Employed1,410440
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kennewick ($101,364) and Longview ($80,693) elementary school teacher salaries.KennewickLongviewMedian Salary$101,364$80,693Entry Level (P10)$67,031$62,274Top Earner (P90)$117,117$104,989US Median $64,597

Verdict

Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Longview.

The salary gap between Kennewick and Longview is $20,671 (25.62%). Kennewick's median is +56.92% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $50,086,Longview spans $42,715. Kennewick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kennewick
P10 (Entry)$67,031
P25$80,380
Median$101,364
P75$112,785
P90 (Top)$117,117
Longview
P10 (Entry)$62,274
P25$78,189
Median$80,693
P75$104,403
P90 (Top)$104,989

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($101,284 effective) pays 22.44% more than Longview ($82,724 effective).

Kennewick
Nominal: $101,364
CoL Index: 100.079
Adjusted: $101,284
Longview
Nominal: $80,693
CoL Index: 97.545
Adjusted: $82,724

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kennewick if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,364/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($117,117)
  • Larger job market (1,410 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,284)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Longview if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Kennewick grew 53.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Longview over the same period.

Kennewick, WA

+53.6%

$65,340 (2019) → $100,380 (2025)

Longview, WA

+18.6%

$67,400 (2019) → $79,910 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Kennewick or Longview?

Kennewick has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $101,364/year, compared to Longview at $80,693/year — a difference of $20,671 (25.62%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Longview?

Kennewick elementary school teachers earn $48.73/hr while Longview hygienists earn $38.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kennewick to Longview as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kennewick and Longview. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kennewick = $101,284, Longview = $82,724), job availability (1,410 vs 440 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Kennewick vs Longview?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $67,031 in Kennewick and $62,274 in Longview. The Kennewick area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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