Current Average Salary
9-Year Growth
Dollar Increase
Starting Salary
â ī¸ Understanding "Average" Salary
The $97,470 average does NOT mean every teacher makes this amount.
A new hire, first-year teacher in Moses Lake starts at $60,792 for their base annual salary (2024-25 actual OSPI data for teachers with Bachelor's degree and 0-2 years experience). This is approximately 62% of the average. The average is higher because it includes experienced teachers with advanced degrees who have earned salary increases over 10, 20, or 30+ years of service.
Starting salary progression: $55,824 (2022-23) â $57,890 (2023-24) â $60,792 (2024-25)
Just like any profession, teachers earn more as they gain experience, obtain advanced degrees (Master's, Doctorate), earn additional certifications, and take on extra responsibilities.
đ Average Teacher Salary Progression (2016-2025)
đ Annual Salary Growth Rate
đ° Starting Salary vs Average Salary
Why is there a gap?
Starting teachers earn approximately 60-65% of the average salary. This gap exists because:
- Experienced teachers have earned annual step increases over many years
- Many teachers hold Master's degrees or higher (worth $5,000-$15,000+ annually)
- National Board Certification adds $5,000+ annually
- Additional endorsements and professional development increase salary
This is exactly how salary progression works in any profession - accountants, engineers, nurses all start lower and earn more as they gain experience and credentials.
đ Complete Salary Data Table
| School Year | Average Salary | Year-over-Year Change | % Increase | Starting Salary (BA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | $56,351 | â | â | N/A |
| 2017-2018 | $57,186 | +$835 | +1.5% | N/A |
| 2018-2019 | $73,357 | +$16,171 | +28.3% | N/A |
| 2019-2020 | $76,506 | +$3,149 | +4.3% | N/A |
| 2020-2021 | $77,935 | +$1,429 | +1.9% | N/A |
| 2021-2022 | $81,621 | +$3,686 | +4.7% | N/A |
| 2022-2023 | $86,921 | +$5,300 | +6.5% | $55,824 |
| 2023-2024 | $89,360 | +$2,439 | +2.8% | $57,890 |
| 2024-2025 (Preliminary) | $97,470 | +$8,110 | +9.1% | $60,792 |
Need a simpler explanation of what these numbers mean?
â Back to Understanding Teacher Salaries OverviewLearn what "average salary" really means and see real career progression examples
đ Historical Context: Why the Big Jump in 2018-2019?
The +28.3% increase from 2017-18 to 2018-19 reflects the implementation of Washington State's McCleary decision. The Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the state must fully fund basic education, leading to significant increases in teacher compensation statewide beginning in the 2018-19 school year.
This was a one-time structural adjustment to bring Washington teacher salaries closer to competitive levels. Subsequent years show more typical annual increases of 2-7%.
đ Methodology & Data Notes
- Data Source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) S-275 Personnel Database
- Teachers Included: Core classroom teachers only (Elementary Homeroom and Secondary Teachers)
- Full-Time Only: Analysis includes only full-time positions (annual salary > $30,000)
- Salaries Shown: Base salary figures (excludes supplemental contracts for coaching, activities, etc.)
- Starting Salary: Median salary for teachers with 0-2 years experience and Bachelor's degree
- 2024-25 Status: Preliminary data collected as of January 15, 2025 (before December 2025 strike and final adjustments)
- Excluded: Specialists, special education teachers, counselors, librarians, administrators, substitutes, part-time staff
âšī¸ About 2024-2025 Data
The 2024-2025 figures shown are preliminary and represent staffing and salaries at the beginning of the school year. This data was collected before the December 2025 teacher strike and any subsequent contract adjustments or staffing changes. Final figures will be published by OSPI in late 2025.