Moses Lake vs Seattle: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Moses Lake, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moses Lake, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,125 | $103,929▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.18 | $49.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,267▲ | $68,212 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,741▲ | $82,188 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,465 | $127,881▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,094▲ | $133,284 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 14,560▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Moses Lake.
The salary gap between Moses Lake and Seattle is $5,804 (5.91%). Seattle's median is +60.89% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Moses Lake spans $72,827,Seattle spans $65,072. Moses Lake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($93,518 effective) pays 2.36% more than Moses Lake ($91,364 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Moses Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,094)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,929/year)
- ✓Larger job market (14,560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,518)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Moses Lake grew 14.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.9% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Moses Lake, WA
$84,958 (2024) → $97,173 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$69,600 (2019) → $102,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Moses Lake, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Moses Lake or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Moses Lake and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Moses Lake to Seattle as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Moses Lake vs Seattle?
Related Comparisons
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.
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