Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$43,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$42,574 vs $38,889
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$37,076 vs $35,933
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $43,000 | $63,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,110 | $48,510▲ | -$15,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,040 | $80,640▲ | -$25,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $68,800 | $100,800▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $42,574▲ | $38,889 | +$3,685 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $37,447 | $58,212▲ | -$20,765 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $37,076▲ | $35,933 | +$1,143 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 145,000 | -110,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $20,000 more (median: $43,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($42,574 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.