Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$57,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$35,185 vs $38,889
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$30,886 vs $35,933
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $63,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $48,510▲ | -$4,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $80,640▲ | -$7,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $100,800▲ | -$9,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $35,185 | $38,889▲ | -$3,704 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $50,035 | $58,212▲ | -$8,177 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $30,886 | $35,933▲ | -$5,047 |
| Total Employment | 105,000 | 145,000 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $6,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($35,185 vs $38,889 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.