Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Camas, WA: $149,610 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Camas, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $149,610/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Camas's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $139,302 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential earnings for experienced elementary school teachers in Camas, Washington, can be quite significant. With the top-tier pay reaching as high as $149,610, the financial rewards for those who attain senior positions are compelling. Comparatively, the average annual salary of $96,523 reflects a substantial gap, highlighting the experience premium available in the region. Achieving such top elementary school teacher salary in Camas requires commitment, advanced credentials, and often specialization in high-demand fields like STEM or special education. For educators who have invested years into their careers, the pathway to these upper echelons is one that typically involves leadership roles or the attainment of sought-after certifications.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Camas earn between $122,588 and $149,610 per year (2026 est.). This $74,528 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Camas median of $96,523 sits 49.42% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Camas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $96,523 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,588 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $149,610 | $105,363 |
In Camas, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Camas
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $96,523 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Camas employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Camas command premium compensation, often reaching the $122,588–$149,610 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Camas metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Camas with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Elementary School Teacher Career & Wage Growth Path in Camas
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCamas ranks #32 of 50 Washington cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $149,610).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Camas ($149,610) is 17.39% above the Washington average P90 ($127,451).
2019 BLS Actual
$139,013
2025 BLS Actual
$148,158
2026 Current Est.
$149,610
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,013 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,535 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,158 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,610 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,076 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Camas saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $139,013 in 2019 to $148,158 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 0.98% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $151,076 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Camas
In examining the compensation dynamics for senior elementary school teachers in Camas, various factors emerge that significantly impact pay structures. Specializations such as STEM, English Language Learners, and special education consistently command premium salaries due to their critical shortage in the district. The differences in pay can also be pronounced when comparing employment types; K-12 public schools often follow a traditional step-and-lane pay structure, while charter networks may offer competitive salaries but lack consistency depending on the institution. Furthermore, advanced credentials like the National Board Certification can bolster pay, alongside stipends for shortage areas that provide additional earnings. Non-salary benefits also play a role; educators might receive stipends for summer sessions or extended contracts, particularly in high-cost-of-living (HCOL) districts like Camas. With prospects for advancement leading to administrative roles or specialized educational positions, the potential for a stable and lucrative career remains impactful for seasoned professionals in this field.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Camas in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Camas?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Camas?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Camas?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Camas?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $148,158 for elementary school teachers in the Camas metro area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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