Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Edmonds, WA: $72,497 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,497 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,502 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,638) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates venturing into teaching in Edmonds, WA, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $72,497. This figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary for elementary school teachers, which stands at $98,638. As a new educator settles into this role, there is a realistic pathway for salary growth, moving up through the pay scale from the 10th percentile at $72,497 to the 25th percentile at $92,846 within the first few years. For those considering a career in Edmonds, the local market is promising as it offers a solid trajectory for early-career teachers, making it an encouraging place for new grads looking to enter the profession.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Edmonds, WA typically start between $72,497 and $92,846 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,393 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,638 — 52.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Washington of $58,000 represents just 80.00% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($72,497/year) in Edmonds. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $72,497 to $92,846, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edmonds, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Edmonds is $80,393 ( 110.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,497, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,890.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,410
2025 BLS Actual
$71,793
2026 Current Est.
$72,497
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,497 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,207 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,410 in 2019 to $71,793 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,207. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your education Career in Edmonds
For aspiring teachers looking to establish their careers in Edmonds, several employers actively seek new graduates, primarily through public school districts. These districts typically require applicants to navigate district-level hiring processes and secure state licensure. Alternative pathways, such as those provided by charter networks like KIPP or Teach for America, also play a role in hiring new educators, especially at high-need schools. To enhance starting pay, credentials such as a Bachelor's degree from a state-approved teacher preparation program and passing the requisite state exams can be foundational. Subject areas in demand, including special education and STEM, often come with additional stipends of 5-15%. Furthermore, as teachers become acclimated to their roles, they can anticipate salary advancements following the step-and-lane pay structure typical in public schools, where their earnings increase with experience and education, making this an important consideration for financial planning in those first few years.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
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