Washington Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in Washington for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

Washington teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Washington earned $96,589, according to NEA. That ranks 3rd among the 50 states and D.C. and is $22,094 above the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $91,720, so pay changed by 5.3%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Washington at $60,658, which ranks 2nd of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

WashingtonUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$96,589$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$91,720$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$60,658$48,112
Average salary rank3 of 51
Starting salary rank2 of 51

States close to Washington in the ranking

California (1st, $103,552), New York (2nd, $98,655), District of Columbia (4th, $95,077), Massachusetts (5th, $93,554). See all states ranked or compare Washington with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in Washington?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $96,589 in Washington for 2024-25, which ranks 3rd of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in Washington?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $60,658 in Washington for 2024-25, ranking 2nd of 51.

How does Washington compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Washington is $22,094 above it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Washington is $12,546 above.

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