Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$40,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$44,444 vs $38,889
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$39,773 vs $35,933
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $40,000 | $63,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,800 | $48,510▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,200 | $80,640▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $64,000 | $100,800▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $44,444▲ | $38,889 | +$5,555 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $35,796 | $58,212▲ | -$22,416 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $39,773▲ | $35,933 | +$3,840 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 145,000 | -107,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $23,000 more (median: $40,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($44,444 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.