Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The median pay for a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $97,970/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $69K at the entry level to $124K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $88,158 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 38.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $98K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) start around $69K. Mid-career wages sit at $98K.Top earners bring in $124K or more - a $55K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $91K | +44% | 17,920 |
| Washington | $85K | +35% | 3,290 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +31% | 1,140 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +29% | 2,570 |
| New York | $81K | +28% | 20,500 |
| Massachusetts | $79K | +25% | 6,650 |
| Oregon | $78K | +24% | 1,730 |
| Rhode Island | $78K | +24% | 1,210 |
| Alaska | $77K | +23% | 370 |
| Illinois | $76K | +21% | 12,550 |
| New Jersey | $76K | +20% | 10,700 |
| Maryland | $76K | +20% | 3,640 |
| Michigan | $76K | +20% | 3,600 |
| Georgia | $68K | +7% | 9,700 |
| New Mexico | $66K | +6% | 1,000 |
Track special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $97,970 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $68,910, and experienced special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools can clear $124,260. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $98K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,442/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 38.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary go in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary is worth about $88,158 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.