Washington

Cost of Living & Benefits

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Learn more about average salaries, cost of living, and expenses in the Washington region.

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Salaries

Salaries range from $45,000-$55,000 for new teachers in Washington. Corps members are independently hired by local schools or districts. They are responsible for obtaining certification and employment and are not paid by TFA.

  • Monthly Pre-Tax Salary: $3,425
  • Taxes: $500
  • Health Insurance: $200
  • Monthly Take Home Pay: $2,725

Benefits

School districts within Washington state provide full medical and dental benefits, as well as an excellent state retirement plan regulated by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.

Optional retirement programs such as a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and 403b Tax Sheltered Annuities are also offered by the district.

Moving Costs

The following are estimates of the up-front costs for renting an apartment in our region, including deposits, broker's fee, and utility deposits (all estimates include first month's rent):

Greater Puget Sound 

  • Single: $2800-$3000
  • Shared: $1500-$2000

South Central Washington

  • Single: $1200-$1600
  • Shared: $800-$900

Additional Costs

The following are additional costs that corps members are required to cover before their first paycheck:

  • Tests: $310
  • Study Guides: $65
  • Estimated Up-Front Certification Program Cost: $6,500
  • Institute Fingerprinting: $80
  • District Fingerprinting: $80

Rent & Utilities

Below you'll find estimates of the average monthly rent for both single and shared apartments in the Greater Puget Sound and South Central Washington.

Greater Puget Sound

The lower end of these ranges are for Federal Way averages. The higher ends of these ranges are for Seattle averages.

  • Single: $1200-$1800
  • Shared: $700-$1100

South Central Washington

The lower end of these ranges are for the lower Yakima Valley. The higher end of these ranges are for Tri-Cities averages.

  • Single: $650-$900
  • Shared: $400-$500

Living Expenses

Average utilities across the state range from $65-$75.

Transportation

Most corps members find that a car is required to get around. However, some corps member opt to use public transportation or carpool.