What Moses Lake School District Teachers Actually Cost Taxpayers
Data from Washington State OSPI S-275 Personnel Reports (2016-2025)
When you hear "average teacher salary is $97,470," that's only PART of what taxpayers actually pay. The true cost to the district and taxpayers is approximately $143,281 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.
Data Source: Official Washington State OSPI S-275 Personnel Reports
Teachers Included: Core Instructional Staff = ALL classroom teachers across all Moses Lake schools
Current Numbers (2024-25 School Year):
Why this matters: This comprehensive count gives taxpayers the complete picture of instructional staffing costs across the entire district, not just a narrow subset.
Important: The $97,470 figure is an AVERAGE across all 374 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 $60,792, some are mid-career at $75K-$90K, and some are experienced veterans with advanced degrees earning $100K-$110K. When you add all 374 teacher salaries together and divide by 374, you get $97,470 as the average. But as we'll show you next, the "typical" teacher (the median) actually earns slightly MORE at $101,308—which tells us Moses Lake has a mature, experienced teaching force.
Before we dive into the data, let's take a moment to understand two terms you'll hear throughout your life: "average" (also called "mean") and "median." Understanding these concepts will help you evaluate claims about income, home prices, test scores, and many other statistics you encounter.
MEAN = AVERAGE. They're the exact same thing.
How to calculate it: Add everything up, then divide by how many items you have.
Example with 5 teachers:
Teacher salaries: $60,000 | $75,000 | $100,000 | $105,000 | $110,000
Calculate the MEAN (Average):
Step 1: Add them all up: $60,000 + $75,000 + $100,000 + $105,000 + $110,000 = $450,000
Step 2: Divide by how many teachers: $450,000 ÷ 5 = $90,000
Result: The MEAN (Average) is $90,000
The MEDIAN is the exact middle value when you line everything up from smallest to largest.
How to find it: Put all the values in order, then pick the one in the middle.
Same 5 teachers, already in order:
$60,000 | $75,000 | $100,000 | $105,000 | $110,000
Teacher 1 Teacher 2 Teacher 3 Teacher 4 Teacher 5
Teacher #3 is in the exact middle.
• 2 teachers earn LESS than $100,000
• 2 teachers earn MORE than $100,000
Result: The MEDIAN is $100,000
In our example:
Why? The two entry-level teachers earning $60K and $75K pulled the average down to $90K. But the median shows us that the "typical" teacher (the one in the middle) actually earns $100K.
🎯 Key Takeaway:
MEAN (Average) can be pulled up or down by extreme values
MEDIAN (Middle) shows you the "typical" value—half are above it, half below it
This is why home prices are usually reported as "median home price" rather than "average home price"—a few mansions would make the average misleading!
Now let's look at the actual Moses Lake teacher salary data:
374 Teachers
| MEAN (Average) Salary: | $97,470 |
| MEDIAN (Middle) Salary: | $101,308 |
| Difference: | $3,838 |
1. The "Typical" Teacher (MEDIAN)
When we line up all 374 teachers from lowest salary to highest salary, the teacher standing in position 187 (exactly in the middle) earns $101,308.
2. The Average (MEAN) is Lower
The average of $97,470 is about $3,800 lower than the median. This happens when there are enough entry-level teachers ($60K-$85K range) to pull the average down.
3. What This Reveals About Moses Lake's Teaching Force
| School Year | Teachers | Mean (Average) | Median (Middle) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 419 | $89,360 | $94,954 | $5,594 |
| 2024-25 | 374 | $97,470 | $101,308 | $3,838 |
Interesting finding: When the district reduced from 419 to 374 teachers (-45 positions), the gap between mean and median DECREASED. This suggests that the reduction may have affected more entry-level positions, leaving a more veteran teaching force. Both the average and median increased, but the median increased even more.
💡 Life Skill Moment:
Now you know why when someone says "the average home price is $500,000," you should ask "what's the median?" A few mansions can make the average misleading. The median tells you what the "typical" home actually costs.
The same applies to income, salaries, test scores, and many other statistics you'll encounter throughout your life.
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 $143,281 total cost, not just the $97,470 salary.
This table shows the complete salary and total cost progression for Moses Lake School District core instructional teachers over nine years:
| School Year | Teachers | Average Salary | Starting Salary* | Est. Total Cost** | Salary Growth | Teacher Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 389 | $56,351 | -- | $82,836 | -- | -- |
| 2017-2018 | 402 | $57,186 | -- | $84,063 | +1.5% | +13 |
| 2018-2019 | 395 | $73,357 | -- | $107,835 | +28.3% | -7 |
| 2019-2020 | 384 | $76,506 | -- | $112,464 | +4.3% | -11 |
| 2020-2021 | 405 | $77,935 | -- | $114,564 | +1.9% | +21 |
| 2021-2022 | 392 | $81,621 | -- | $119,983 | +4.7% | -13 |
| 2022-2023 | 401 | $86,921 | $55,824 | $127,774 | +6.5% | +9 |
| 2023-2024 | 419 | $89,360 | $57,890 | $131,359 | +2.8% | +18 |
| 2024-2025 | 374 | $97,470 | $60,792 | $143,281 | +9.1% | -45 |
*Starting Salary = Teachers with 0-2 years experience and Bachelor's degree (data available 2022-23 onward)
**Estimated Total Cost = Average Salary × 1.47 (accounts for ~47% employer-paid benefits and taxes)
What this means: While teacher salaries have increased 73% over nine years, the district has actually reduced total teaching staff by 15 positions (from the 2016-17 baseline). The 2024-25 reduction of 45 teachers is the largest single-year decrease in this period.
Plus employer-paid costs (paid by district/taxpayers):
With 374 classroom teachers, the total annual cost to taxpayers is approximately $53.6 million
Note: Benefits costs are estimates based on typical Washington State school district employer contribution rates. Actual costs may vary by a few percent.
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 | $97,470 | ~$55,000 | 177% 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).
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) | $97,470 | 77% 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 $97,470 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.
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 | ~$60,792 | ~$89,364 |
| Mid-career teacher | Bachelor's +15, Year 10 | ~$75,000 - $85,000 | ~$110,250 - $124,950 |
| AVERAGE (2024-25) | All 374 teachers combined | $97,470 | $143,281 |
| Experienced teacher | Master's +45, Year 20 | ~$100,000 - $105,000 | ~$147,000 - $154,350 |
| Veteran teacher | Master's +90, Year 30+ | ~$105,000 - $110,000 | ~$154,350 - $161,700 |
*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.
When teachers negotiate a 3% salary increase, here's what it actually costs taxpayers:
| Average salary increase per teacher: | 3% of $97,470 = $2,924 |
| But average total cost increase per teacher: | 3% of $143,281 = $4,298 |
| For all 374 teachers: | $1.61 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.
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 $143,281 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.
Understanding teacher compensation requires understanding the contract negotiations that shaped current salaries and working conditions. In 2024-25, the district and teachers union negotiated a three-year contract worth over $8 million.
A Critical Trade-Off: The district proposed restoring elementary schools to an 8:30 AM start time (from 9:30 AM), which would have returned approximately 50 instructional minutes per day to elementary students. This proposal was valued at $2.24 million annually.
What Happened: The Moses Lake Education Association (MLEA) requested that this proposal be discontinued during negotiations. Instead, the contract prioritized teacher compensation increases totaling $3.8 million in Year 1.
The Result:
Community Discussion: This decision has sparked important conversations about priorities—whether restoring instructional time or increasing teacher compensation better serves students' interests, and whether alternative approaches could have addressed both needs.
All Information Sourced: Contract details are drawn from official Moses Lake School District bargaining documents and board meeting minutes available on the district website.
Primary Source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Specific Reports: S-275 Personnel Reports, 2016-2017 through 2024-2025
URL: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/safs-data-files
Teachers Included:
Income Data Sources:
Methodology:
Data Extracted: January 15, 2026 from OSPI S-275 Excel files
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.
Community Transparency Project
Facts, not rumors. Data, not opinions. Understanding, not division.
Data last updated: January 2026