Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$56,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$32,370 vs $38,889
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$27,128 vs $35,933
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $56,000 | $63,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,120 | $48,510▲ | -$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,680 | $80,640▲ | -$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,600 | $100,800▲ | -$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $32,370 | $38,889▲ | -$6,519 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $46,932 | $58,212▲ | -$11,280 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $27,128 | $35,933▲ | -$8,805 |
| Total Employment | 120,000 | 145,000 | -25,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $7,000 more (median: $56,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($32,370 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.