Elementary School Teacher in Redmond, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

If you're an elementary school teacher looking at Redmond, the first thing to crunch is the numbers. The data shows a clear picture: Redmond offers a competitive, though not top-tier, salary for educators in the Seattle metro area. The median salary for an elementary school teacher here is $66,153/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.8/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $63,670/year, a common trend for tech-influenced metro areas where the cost of living is higher. The job market is tight, with only 401 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of just 1%. This means openings are competitive, but the stability and benefits of a public school system are strong.

Let's break this down by experience level. While specific Redmond data by tier is limited, we can extrapolate from state and national BLS trends, adjusted for the local market's premium.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Redmond
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	Starting salaries in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) are competitive. New teachers often start on the Master's pay scale.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$66,153 (Median) - $78,000	This is where most teachers fall. Salary progression is tied to years of experience and educational credits (National Board Certification, Master's degrees).
Senior/Expert (10+ years)	$85,000 - $110,000+	Top of the scale in LWSD requires a Master's + 90 credits or a Doctorate. Lead teacher or instructional coach roles can push this higher.

Comparing to other Washington cities, Redmond falls in the middle. Seattle proper (Seattle Public Schools) pays slightly more, but the commute and cost of living are steeper. Bellevue School District is a direct competitor, often offering similar or slightly higher pay. Cities further out, like Everett or Tacoma, have lower salaries but also significantly lower housing costs. The key insight: Redmond's salary is a strong value proposition if you can secure housing within a reasonable budget, which we'll explore next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $66,153/year sounds solid, but in Redmond, it gets tested by taxes and housing. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (roughly 22-25% for this bracket), a teacher's take-home pay is approximately $4,100 - $4,250 per month. Now, layer on the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Redmond is $1,864/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 113.0 (13% higher than the national average).

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a teacher earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,200	After taxes.
Rent (1BR)	-$1,864	The biggest variable.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$200	Varies by season and building.
Groceries	-$450	Redmond has multiple grocery options, from Trader Joe's to QFC.
Transportation	-$250	Gas, insurance, or a public transit pass (ORCA card).
Health Insurance	-$150	Typically good benefits for public school teachers, but premiums vary.
Misc. (Phone, Discretionary)	-$400	Eating out, entertainment, savings.
Remaining	$886	This is your buffer for savings, debt, or unexpected costs.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the toughest question. The median home price in Redmond is $1.2 million+. With a $66,153 salary, a teacher would likely need a significant down payment (20% = $240,000) and a partner with a dual income to qualify for a mortgage. For a single teacher, buying a home in Redmond is a major challenge. The more realistic path is to rent, potentially in a neighboring city with lower costs, and invest in retirement accounts (like a 403(b)) and the state pension plan (TRSP).

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

The job market for elementary teachers in Redmond is dominated by one major public school district, with a handful of supporting employers. The 1% job growth indicates high retention—it's a place where teachers tend to stay.

1. Lake Washington School District (LWSD): This is the primary employer, covering Redmond, Kirkland, and parts of Sammamish. LWSD is known for its high academic performance and tech-savvy curriculum. They have 401 job postings for the metro area (which includes them), but openings are most common in August as teachers retire or move. Insider Tip: LWSD uses a "career ladder" system. Apply for positions that mention "teacher on special assignment" (TOSA) or "instructional coach" for advancement.

2. Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech): While a college, they sometimes have openings for early childhood education instructors or support staff in their childcare centers. It's a good networking hub.

3. Private & Parochial Schools: Redmond has several private options like The Evergreen School (pre-K-8) and St. Jude Catholic School. Salaries here can be lower than public schools, but class sizes are smaller and the community is tight-knit. Hiring tends to be more network-driven.

4. Microsoft: The tech giant's presence is felt in teacher salaries (via local tax base) and in its philanthropy. Microsoft's "Education Transformation" team sometimes hires for curriculum developer or trainer roles with an education background.

5. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: For teachers with a second job or a partner in healthcare, this is a major employer. The hospital is a significant community anchor.

6. City of Redmond Parks & Recreation: Offers after-school program instructor positions. It's a great way to get local experience and build a network before a full-time classroom role opens up.

Hiring Trends: The district is actively seeking teachers in STEM and Special Education. Bilingual (Spanish, Mandarin) teachers are also in high demand. Most hiring happens from April through August.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a structured but clear licensing process managed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

1. The Basics: You'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a state-approved teacher preparation program. If you're coming from another state, you'll likely need to complete a Washington State History course (a 1-credit online module).
2. Exams: The West-B (basic skills) and West-E/NES (subject matter) exams are required. The total cost for exams is approximately $150-$250.
3. Application & Fees: Applying for a Residency Teacher Certificate costs $70. You must also submit to a fingerprint-based background check, which costs about $50.
4. Timeline: From starting your application to receiving your certificate can take 2-4 months, assuming all documents are in order. If you need to complete additional coursework (like the Washington State History course), add that time.

Pro Tip: Washington State offers a "Residency Teacher Certificate" for new teachers, which is valid for three years and allows you to teach while completing additional requirements. It's the fastest route for out-of-state teachers transitioning.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Redmond is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and price point. Commute to most schools is easy, as the district is centralized.

1. Downtown Redmond: The most walkable, with a mix of older apartments and new condos. You're close to the Overlake Village light rail station (opening 2025) and the downtown core. Rent Estimate: $1,950 - $2,300/month for a 1BR.
2. Education Hill: A quiet, residential area with single-family homes and some townhomes. It's family-oriented and has a classic suburban feel. Commute is easy by car. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000/month for a 1BR or townhome.
3. Overlake: Tech-heavy, home to Microsoft. It's modern with many apartment complexes. The commute to schools in the area is very short. Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200/month.
4. Sammamish Valley: More rural and spacious, with larger lots and a quieter feel. It's further from the core but offers more space for the money. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,900/month for a 1BR in a complex.
5. Kirkland (adjacent city): Just across the border, Kirkland offers similar schools, a vibrant waterfront, and slightly more affordable options in older complexes. Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $2,100/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation isn't a concern in Redmond if you're proactive. The base median salary of $66,153 is just the starting point.

• Specialty Premiums: In Washington, National Board Certification (NBC) comes with a state-funded bonus—$5,000-$20,000 over several years, depending on your school's classification. This can push a mid-career teacher's income well into the $80,000s.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from classroom teacher to Instructional Coach or Department Head (in elementary, often a grade-level chair). These roles come with a stipend (an extra $3,000-$6,000/year). The next step is into administration (Assistant Principal, Principal), which requires a Master's in Educational Leadership and a significant pay bump ($120,000+).
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 1% growth rate, the market won't explode. However, retirements are constant. The key to growth is specialization: Special Education, STEM, and English Language Learner (ELL) endorsements will keep you highly employable. The move to administrative roles is the most reliable way to substantially increase your income long-term.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Deciding to move to Redmond is a balance of professional opportunity and personal finance.

Pros	Cons
Salary is competitive and above the national average.	Extremely high cost of living, especially housing.
Excellent school district (LWSD) with strong community support.	Job market is tight due to low growth and high retention.
Safe, family-friendly city with beautiful parks and trails.	Buying a home is a major challenge on a single teacher's salary.
Proximity to Seattle for cultural amenities without the urban density.	Traffic congestion can be significant, especially on SR 520.
Strong potential for career advancement through specialization.	Can feel insulated if you're not part of the tech/college-educated bubble.

Final Recommendation: Redmond is an excellent choice for teachers who are early to mid-career, value professional development, and are financially prepared to rent long-term or have a dual-income household. It's not the best fit for those looking to buy a home quickly on a single income. The school system is top-notch, and the community is engaged. If you can navigate the housing market, the teaching environment and salary make it a worthwhile destination.

FAQs

Q: I'm coming from another state. How hard is it to get licensed?
A: The process is straightforward. Start by submitting your credentials to OSPI for evaluation. You'll likely need to complete a Washington State History course (online, ~$50) and pass the required exams. If your preparation program was approved in your home state, you may be eligible for reciprocity.

Q: How competitive is the job market in LWSD?
A: It's competitive. With 401 jobs in the metro and low growth, you need a strong application. Tailor your resume to LWSD's strategic plan (focus on equity, technology, and social-emotional learning). Network at job fairs and be open to long-term sub positions to get your foot in the door.

Q: Can I commute from a cheaper city like Everett or Kent?
A: Yes, but the commute will be brutal. A drive from Everett to Redmond can take 60-90 minutes each way in traffic. Public transit (buses) is an option but adds significant time. If you prioritize housing affordability over commute time, this is a viable but draining strategy.

Q: What's the best way to find housing on a teacher's budget?
A: Look for older apartment complexes in Education Hill or Kirkland. Consider a roommate to share a 2BR, which can lower your rent to $1,200-$1,400/month. Use local Facebook groups (e.g., "Redmond, WA Rentals") for private landlord listings, which can be cheaper than corporate complexes.

Q: Is the cost of living really 13% higher?
A: Yes, according to the Cost of Living Index (113.0). The biggest driver is housing. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are also above average. Budgeting carefully is essential, but the salary helps offset it. The key is to avoid a car payment if possible, as Redmond is walkable/bikeable in many areas.