Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$47,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$43,925 vs $38,889
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$38,578 vs $35,933
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $47,000 | $63,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,190 | $48,510▲ | -$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,160 | $80,640▲ | -$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $75,200 | $100,800▲ | -$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,925▲ | $38,889 | +$5,036 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $41,278 | $58,212▲ | -$16,934 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $38,578▲ | $35,933 | +$2,645 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 145,000 | -57,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $16,000 more (median: $47,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($43,925 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.