In Washington, DC, Teachers earn a median of $80,570 a year — about 9% above the U.S. median of $73,800. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #14.
What that pay is worth in Washington
Local prices run 109 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $84,490 salary buys less than it looks — about $77,596 in national-average buying power.
Can Teachers afford a home in Washington?
A typical Washington home runs about $724,600 — 8.6 times the average Teacher salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,900/mo takes roughly 27% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Teacher pay ladder in Washington
Entry-level (10th percentile) Teachers earn about $54,930; the top 10% reach $115,650 — a $60,720 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Teacher job market in Washington
Washington employs roughly 19,380 Teachers. Metro unemployment sits near 4.3%, a fairly balanced hiring market.
Compare Washington with other cities
See the full Teacher salary by city ranking to weigh Washington against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Teachers make in Washington?
The average Teacher in Washington, DC earns about $84,490 per year, 14.5% above the national average of $73,800.
What is the take-home pay for Teachers in Washington after taxes?
After federal and DC taxes, this $84,490 salary is worth about $64,055 a year - roughly $5,337 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 24%.
What do the highest-paid Teachers earn in Washington?
The top 10% of Teachers in Washington earn about $115,650 a year, versus about $54,930 for the bottom 10%.
Can Teachers afford a home in Washington?
A typical Washington home runs about $724,600 - roughly 8.6x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.