Elementary School Teacher Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 4K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$96,580
$46.43/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
+41.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $128K
4K employed in District of Columbia
Elementary School Teacher salary in District of Columbia averages $96,580 per year, placing the nation's capital significantly above typical teacher compensation nationwide. With approximately 3,750 educators in this role across the district, DC offers competitive wages that reflect both regional cost of living and strong public education funding priorities.
Salaries for elementary educators in DC vary considerably, ranging from $63,950 to $128,370 annually. This variation stems from factors including years of experience, educational credentials, specific school location within the district, and performance-based compensation programs. The 42% premium over the national average reflects DC's higher living expenses and investment in attracting and retaining quality teaching professionals in schools serving the metropolitan area.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,950 |
| 25th percentile | $77,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,580 |
| 75th percentile | $102,650 |
| 90th percentile | $128,370 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,610 |
| 2023 | $85,610 |
| 2024 | $94,730 |
| 2025 | $96,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $98,466 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,610 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $85,610 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $94,730 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $96,580 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $98,466 | $69,507 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $128,370 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Elementary School Teacher ($96,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in DC | $105,990 | +9.7% | $50.96/hr |
| Librarian in DC | $96,550 | -0.0% | $46.42/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in DC | $82,750 | -14.3% | $39.78/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in DC | $81,500 | -15.6% | $39.18/hr |
| School Counselor in DC | $80,470 | -16.7% | $38.69/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in DC | $79,900 | -17.3% | $38.41/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | -31.2% | $31.94/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in DC | $96,030 | -0.6% | $46.17/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in DC | $98,090 | +1.6% | $47.16/hr |
| Interior Designer in DC | $98,450 | +1.9% | $47.33/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in DC | $94,080 | -2.6% | $45.23/hr |
| Loan Officer in DC | $92,890 | -3.8% | $44.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Washington DC?
- Elementary school teachers in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $96,580 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 41.7% premium for teachers in DC.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in DC?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in the District of Columbia range from $63,950 at the lower end to $128,370 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education level, and specific school assignments.
Is teaching in DC better paid than the national average?
- Yes, elementary school teachers in Washington DC earn 41.7% more than the national average salary for this position. The median DC salary of $96,580 annually significantly exceeds what teachers earn in most other parts of the country.
How many elementary school teachers work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 3,750 elementary school teachers employed in the District of Columbia, representing a stable and substantial educator workforce in the region.