Secondary School Teacher Salary in Washington
Based on 15K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$102,670
$49.36/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
+45.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $128K
15K employed in Washington
The **Secondary School Teacher salary in Washington** offers a strong earning potential, with a median annual income of $102,670. This figure significantly surpasses the national average, coming in 46% higher, indicating a robust compensation landscape for educators in the Evergreen State.
Several factors can influence a Secondary School Teacher salary in Washington. Experience level, the specific school district's funding and collective bargaining agreements, and the teacher's subject area specialization all play a crucial role in determining an individual's placement within the broad salary range of $62,950 to $128,410.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,950 |
| 25th percentile | $81,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,670 |
| 75th percentile | $121,100 |
| 90th percentile | $128,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary School Teachers in Washington tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,810 |
| 2023 | $100,480 |
| 2024 | $99,640 |
| 2025 | $102,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,792 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,810 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $100,480 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $99,640 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $102,670 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,792 | $72,566 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $121,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $128,410 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Secondary School Teacher ($102,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher in WA | $102,350 | -0.3% | $49.21/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in WA | $102,140 | -0.5% | $49.11/hr |
| Librarian in WA | $100,030 | -2.6% | $48.09/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WA | $99,960 | -2.6% | $48.06/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in WA | $97,250 | -5.3% | $46.75/hr |
| School Counselor in WA | $82,670 | -19.5% | $39.75/hr |
| Tutor in WA | $48,020 | -53.2% | $23.09/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in WA | $102,090 | -0.6% | $49.08/hr |
| Police Officer in WA | $102,080 | -0.6% | $49.08/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in WA | $101,750 | -0.9% | $48.92/hr |
| Network Administrator in WA | $103,910 | +1.2% | $49.96/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in WA | $101,130 | -1.5% | $48.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make in Washington state?
- Secondary school teachers in Washington earn a median salary of $102,670 per year, which is equivalent to $49 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, by 45.8%.
What is the typical salary range for a secondary school teacher in Washington?
- The salary range for secondary school teachers in Washington typically falls between $62,950 and $128,410 annually. The median salary of $102,670 sits comfortably within this spectrum.
How does Washington's secondary school teacher salary compare to the national average?
- Secondary school teachers in Washington are compensated at a much higher rate than the national average, with their median salary of $102,670 being 45.8% greater. This means teachers in Washington can expect to earn substantially more.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 14,880 secondary school teachers employed across Washington state. This significant number contributes to the robust job market for educators in the region.