What Moses Lake School District Teachers Actually Cost Taxpayers
Data from Washington State OSPI S-275 Personnel Reports
When you hear "average teacher salary is $98,535," that's only PART of what taxpayers actually pay. The true cost to the district and taxpayers is approximately $145,000 per teacher when you include all employer-paid benefits, retirement contributions, and taxes.
This page explains the difference and why it matters for your tax dollars.
Important: The $98,535 figure is an AVERAGE across all 363 classroom teachers. This does NOT mean every teacher makes this amount.
Just like any profession:
Teachers earn higher salaries through:
The average exists because: Some teachers are just starting out at lower salaries, some are mid-career at moderate salaries, and some are experienced veterans with advanced degrees earning higher salaries. When you add all 363 teacher salaries together and divide by 363, you get $98,535 as the average.
This is what the average teacher receives as gross pay.
This is what the school district actually pays per teacher on average - and what comes from your taxes.
Key Point: Both numbers are accurate. They just measure different things. When the district says "we need more money for teachers," they're talking about the $145,000 total cost, not just the $98,535 salary.
The critical question: Are we paying appropriately to attract quality teachers?
Moses Lake competes for teachers with districts across Washington State. Too low and we can't attract or retain good teachers. Too high and we're asking local taxpayers (who earn much less) to overpay. Here's how we compare:
| School District | Avg Salary | Local Median Income | Salary vs. Local Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Public Schools | ~$92,000 | ~$115,000 | 80% of median |
| Bellevue School District | ~$95,000 | ~$130,000 | 73% of median |
| Spokane Public Schools | ~$70,000 | ~$60,000 | 117% of median |
| Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) | ~$78,000 | ~$75,000 | 104% of median |
| Wenatchee School District | ~$72,000 | ~$62,000 | 116% of median |
| Yakima School District | ~$68,000 | ~$53,000 | 128% of median |
| Moses Lake School District | $98,535 | ~$55,000 | 179% of median |
| Washington State Average | ~$84,000 | ~$84,000 | 100% of median |
Moses Lake teachers are among the highest paid in the state relative to local economy:
What this means: Moses Lake teachers are compensated significantly above state average AND dramatically above local economic conditions. This is unusual - most districts either pay below average (rural areas) or match local economies (urban areas).
When we adjust salaries for local cost of living (housing, goods, services), the picture becomes even clearer:
| District | Actual Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index | Adjusted Salary* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Public Schools | ~$92,000 | 180 (high) | ~$51,000 |
| Bellevue School District | ~$95,000 | 200 (very high) | ~$47,500 |
| Spokane Public Schools | ~$70,000 | 95 (below average) | ~$73,700 |
| Moses Lake School District | $98,535 | 90 (low) | ~$109,500 |
*Adjusted salary shows purchasing power in a standard market. Moses Lake's low cost of living means the $98,535 salary buys what $109,500 would buy in an average-cost market.
Important context: When adjusted for cost of living, Moses Lake teachers have among the highest purchasing power in the state. A dollar goes much further in Moses Lake than Seattle or Bellevue.
Remember: Salary is only part of the cost. Here's the total taxpayer cost per teacher:
| District | Avg Salary | Est. Total Cost | Cost per Student** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle (high cost, large district) | ~$92,000 | ~$135,000 | ~$8,500 |
| Spokane (moderate, large district) | ~$70,000 | ~$103,000 | ~$4,800 |
| Wenatchee (rural, similar to Moses Lake) | ~$72,000 | ~$106,000 | ~$4,200 |
| Moses Lake | $98,535 | $145,000 | $4,493 |
**Cost per student based on average class sizes and student-teacher ratios in each district
The community wants and deserves quality teachers. But what's reasonable to pay given:
Arguments for current compensation levels:
Arguments for reassessment:
Based on comparable districts and local economic conditions, what seems reasonable?
| Scenario | Target Avg Salary | Total Cost per Teacher | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current compensation | $98,535 | $145,000 | 17% above state average, 179% of local median |
| Match state average | $84,000 | $123,500 | Competitive statewide, 153% of local median |
| Match similar rural districts | $72,000 | $106,000 | Similar to Wenatchee/Yakima, 131% of local median |
| Suggested competitive range | $85,000-$90,000 | $125,000-$132,000 | Slightly above state avg, competitive for rural WA |
Reasonable target: An average teacher salary of $85,000-$90,000 would be:
This is not suggesting immediate salary cuts - teachers have contracts and legitimate expectations. Rather, it's a framework for evaluating future contract negotiations and levy requests. The community can decide: Is $145,000 total cost per teacher appropriate given our local economy?
Understanding income in our community is crucial context. Moses Lake and Grant County have a very different economy than Seattle, Spokane, or the Tri-Cities. What constitutes "low," "middle," or "high" income here is not the same as in urban Western Washington.
| Location | Median Household Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moses Lake | ~$55,000 | Half of households earn less, half earn more |
| Grant County | ~$57,000 | Rural agricultural economy |
| Washington State | ~$84,000 | Heavily influenced by Seattle metro area |
| Average Teacher Salary (MLSD) | $98,535 | 79% above local median household |
Based on local economic conditions and cost of living (NOT Seattle standards):
| Income Category | Household Income Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Low Income | Below $40,000 | Struggling to meet basic needs; may qualify for assistance programs |
| Lower-Middle Income | $40,000 - $55,000 | At or just above median; covers basics with little left over |
| Middle Income | $55,000 - $80,000 | Comfortable but budget-conscious; can save modestly |
| Upper-Middle Income | $80,000 - $120,000 | Well above local median; comfortable lifestyle with savings |
| High Income | Above $120,000 | Top earners in local economy; significant discretionary income |
Note: These brackets are specific to the Grant County / Moses Lake economy. In Seattle, these numbers would be 50-100% higher due to much higher cost of living and wages.
At $98,535 average salary, Moses Lake teachers are in the "Upper-Middle Income" bracket for our local economy.
For comparison to other areas:
Why this matters: When discussing whether teachers are "fairly compensated," it's important to understand the local economy. In Moses Lake, the average teacher salary is significantly above the local median household income, unlike in Seattle where teacher salaries are below the local median. This doesn't mean teachers here are overpaid - it reflects different regional economies and cost structures.
The people funding teacher compensation through property taxes often earn significantly less than the average teacher:
| Scenario | Household Income | Relationship to Teacher Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Retired homeowner on fixed income | $30,000 - $45,000 | Paying property taxes while earning 1/3 of average teacher salary |
| Median Moses Lake household | $55,000 | Earning 56% of what average teacher makes |
| Small business owner/farmer | Varies widely | Income fluctuates but property taxes don't |
This is NOT saying teachers are overpaid. It IS saying that when asking local taxpayers to fund $145,000 per teacher (total cost), we must recognize that many taxpayers earn far less than that themselves. Transparency about these numbers helps everyone understand the economic realities and make informed decisions.
This illustrates why we have an "average" salary:
| Teacher Example | Experience & Education | Approximate Salary* | Total Cost to District |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-year teacher | Bachelor's degree, Year 1 | ~$55,000 - $60,000 | ~$81,000 - $88,000 |
| Mid-career teacher | Bachelor's +15, Year 10 | ~$75,000 - $85,000 | ~$110,000 - $125,000 |
| AVERAGE | All 363 teachers combined | $98,535 | $145,000 |
| Experienced teacher | Master's +45, Year 20 | ~$110,000 - $120,000 | ~$162,000 - $176,000 |
| Veteran teacher | Master's +90, Year 30+ | ~$125,000 - $135,000 | ~$184,000 - $198,000 |
*These are illustrative examples based on typical salary schedules. Actual salaries are determined by the district's salary schedule and collective bargaining agreements.
This is how any profession works: You start at an entry level with lower pay, and as you gain experience and additional qualifications, your value to your employer increases and your compensation rises accordingly. A first-year accountant doesn't make the same as a 20-year CPA. A first-year teacher doesn't make the same as a 20-year teacher with a Master's degree +90 credits.
Plus employer-paid costs (paid by district/taxpayers):
With 363 classroom teachers, the total annual cost to taxpayers is approximately $52.6 million
Note: Benefits costs are estimates based on typical Washington State school district employer contribution rates. Actual costs may vary by a few percent.
When teachers negotiate a 3% salary increase, here's what it actually costs taxpayers:
| Average salary increase per teacher: | 3% of $98,535 = $2,956 |
| But average total cost increase per teacher: | 3% of $145,000 = $4,350 |
| For all 363 teachers: | $1.58 million per year |
Why the difference? Because employer-paid benefits and taxes increase along with salary. When salary goes up 3%, pension contributions go up 3%, payroll taxes go up 3%, etc. This applies to all teachers regardless of where they are on the salary schedule.
This table shows the most recent teacher salary data from official OSPI reports:
| School Year | Teacher FTE | Total Salary Budget | Average Salary | Estimated Avg Total Cost* | Increase from Prior Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 362.78 | $35,747,960 | $98,535 | $145,000 | +2.7% |
| 2022-23 | 357.21 | $34,260,562 | $95,914 | $141,100 | -- |
*Estimated Average Total Cost = Average Salary × 1.47 (accounting for approximately 47% in employer-paid benefits and taxes)
What the 2.7% increase means:
Some may ask: "Isn't this mean to teachers? Won't they be offended?"
Here's why this information MUST be public:
1. Taxpayers are funding this
Moses Lake residents pay property taxes to fund education. They have an absolute right to know exactly what they're paying for. When the district requests levy increases, voters deserve complete information.
2. This is PUBLIC employment
Teachers are public employees paid with public funds. Transparency about public employee compensation is standard in every level of government. City managers, county commissioners, state employees - all have their compensation publicly disclosed. Teachers are no different.
3. Truth isn't optional
If the data shows Moses Lake teachers are well-compensated relative to local economy and comparable districts, that's simply factual. Facts aren't "mean" - they're necessary for informed decision-making.
4. Every profession faces scrutiny
Doctors, lawyers, engineers, business owners - all face public discussion of their compensation, especially when it involves public money or affects public budgets. Teachers aren't exempt from this.
Even with strong compensation, teachers may genuinely feel unhappy or undervalued. This can be real even when the numbers tell a different story:
Both can be true: Teaching is hard work that deserves respect AND Moses Lake teachers are already compensated very well relative to local economy and comparable districts. The question isn't whether teaching is valuable - it absolutely is. The question is whether $145,000 total cost per teacher is appropriate given our community's economic reality.
This transparency is not an attack. It's accountability.
If a teacher finds this information offensive, the appropriate response is not to suppress the information - it's to:
Parents, voters, and taxpayers aren't required to accept claims of being "underpaid" without examining the actual data. This page provides that data.
If the community decides that current compensation levels are appropriate, that's a valid choice. If the community decides future increases should be more modest given how Moses Lake already compares statewide, that's also valid. But the decision MUST be based on facts, not feelings or incomplete information.
Every professional deserves fair compensation. But "fair" is determined by market comparisons, local economic conditions, and what taxpayers can afford - not by how hard the job feels or what someone wishes they could earn.
Primary Source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Specific Reports: District Allocation of State Resources Portal, Form S-275 Personnel Reports
Income Data Sources:
Comparative Salary Data:
Methodology:
S-275 Files Downloaded: January 14, 2026 from OSPI website
Important Disclaimer: This is NOT an official Moses Lake School District website. This analysis is provided by private citizens to promote transparency and public understanding of school district finances. All data is compiled from publicly available official government sources (OSPI, U.S. Census Bureau). Comparative salary figures for other districts are estimates based on most recent available OSPI data and may not reflect current year salaries. For official district information, visit the Moses Lake School District's official website or individual district websites.
Community Transparency Project
Facts, not rumors. Data, not opinions. Understanding, not division.
Data last updated: January 2026