Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$41,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$45,055 vs $38,889
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$39,969 vs $35,933
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $41,000 | $63,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,570 | $48,510▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,480 | $80,640▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $65,600 | $100,800▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $45,055▲ | $38,889 | +$6,166 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $36,372 | $58,212▲ | -$21,840 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $39,969▲ | $35,933 | +$4,036 |
| Total Employment | 40,000 | 145,000 | -105,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $22,000 more (median: $41,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($45,055 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.