Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$63,000 vs $57,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$38,889 vs $35,185
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$35,933 vs $30,886
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $63,000▲ | $57,000 | +$6,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,510▲ | $43,890 | +$4,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,640▲ | $72,960 | +$7,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $100,800▲ | $91,200 | +$9,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $38,889▲ | $35,185 | +$3,704 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $58,212▲ | $50,035 | +$8,177 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $35,933▲ | $30,886 | +$5,047 |
| Total Employment | 145,000 | 105,000 | +40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $6,000 more (median: $63,000 vs $57,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($38,889 vs $35,185 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.