Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$45,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$43,689 vs $38,889
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$39,360 vs $35,933
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $45,000 | $63,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,650 | $48,510▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,600 | $80,640▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,000 | $100,800▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,689▲ | $38,889 | +$4,800 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $40,541 | $58,212▲ | -$17,671 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $39,360▲ | $35,933 | +$3,427 |
| Total Employment | 62,500 | 145,000 | -82,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $18,000 more (median: $45,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($43,689 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.