Elementary School Teacher Salary in Philadelphia: Is It Worth It?
The median elementary school teacher salary in Philadelphia is $79K a year. Here is what actually lands in your pocket after taxes - and what it's really worth once you account for the local cost of living.
Where the money goes
| Item | Amount / year | Share of gross |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | $78,570 | 100% |
| Federal income tax (2026, single) | −$8,455 | 10.8% |
| FICA (Social Security + Medicare) | −$6,011 | 7.7% |
| State income tax (Pennsylvania) | −$2,357 | 3.0% |
| Take-home | $61,747 | 78.6% |
Estimates use single filing status, standard deduction, wages-only income. Full assumptions on the methodology page.
Compare with other metros
Boston
Atlanta
Chicago
Dallas
Detroit
Houston
Typical costs to know
Pennsylvania taxes wage income, and Philadelphia's cost of living is 3% above the U.S. average. In dollar terms,$79K of gross salary converts to roughly $60K of buying power after tax.
FAQ
What is the average elementary school teacher salary in Philadelphia?
The median annual wage is $78,570, per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey.
How much do elementary school teachers, except special education take home in Philadelphia?
After estimated federal income tax ($8,455), FICA ($6,011) and Pennsylvania state tax ($2,357), net income is about $61,747 a year - roughly $5K per month.
Is $79K a good salary in Philadelphia?
Because the local cost of living is 3% above the U.S. average, that salary supports buying power roughly equivalent to $60K at the national average. See the methodology for the math.