Bargaining and Salary Schedules

Tacoma Public Schools has a philosophy of fostering respectful and positive labor relations. TPS is committed to this philosophy as we engage in labor relations and collective bargaining. 

We focus on providing our employees with a competitive, market-driven salary and benefits package. This includes details for wages, hours, and working conditions for all labor groups. Being 'market-driven' means that we compare data from our surrounding and top 10 districts in the state to ensure that we provide competitive salaries and wages.

Why is this important?

We want every staff member to feel valued and supported in their role to ensure the best environment for student learning. Providing our staff with a competitive, market-driven salary, wage, and benefits package is critical for job satisfaction and retention. We strive for the best working conditions because we want our staff to stay here in Tacoma.

Find current agreements & salary schedules

Surrounding Districts

The following districts are close in geographical location to our district and are considered local competitors for employment.

Top 10 Largest Districts

The following districts are in the top 10 largest school district in the state based on student enrollment totals.

Overview of Employee Groups

  Labor Groups Salary/Hourly
Wage ($)
Average
Workday

Work Year
Calendar

Negotiated Increase + IPD (%)* Retention
Minimum Maximum Hours 10-Mo 12-Mo Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 2023-24
  Bus Driver  31.24  42.22 8.0 181.0 245.0 5.7% 1.5%+IPD 1%+IPD n/a 94.7%
  Carpenters 51.32 55.17 8.0 n/a 246.0 PW PW PW n/a 100.0%
  Certificated/Teachers (TEA)  73,227.00  146,337.00 7.5 182.0 n/a 7.5% 5.7% 4.7% n/a 95.6%
  Custodians  24.92 41.47 8.0 n/a 245.0 8.0% 5.7% 5.7% n/a 93.1%

  Education Support Prof.

 26.54  54.28 6.6 183.0 245.0 5.7% 1%+IPD 1%+IPD n/a 93.2%
  Nutrition Services  20.22  43.47 5.6 179.0 n/a 15.5% 5.7% 6.7% 2%+IPD 89.1%
  Office Professional (TEA) 24.56  53.78 8.0 194.0 245.0 8.5% 5.7% 5.7% n/a 96.2%
  Professional Technical (TEA)  43,901.00  185,647.00 8.0 194.0 245.0 7.5% 5.7% 4.7% n/a 94.0%
  Security  30.70  42.52 8.0 185.0 246.0 5.7% 1.5%+IPD 1%+IPD n/a 89.7%
  Trades  38.40  68.89 8.0 n/a 246.0 PW PW PW n/a 87.7%

 

  Non-Represented Groups Salary ($) Workday

Work Year

Increase + IPD (%) Retention
Minimum Maximum Hours 12-Mo 2023-24 2024-25 2023-24
  Assistant Principals 163,881.00 211,064.00 8.0 246.0 4.7% 3.7% 91.9%
  Exempt 84,182.00 334,146.00 8.0 246.0 4.7% 3.7% 91.9%
  Principals 182,090.00 234,516.00 8.0 246.0 4.7% 3.7% 91.9%

*Base salaries for each year are adjusted to include the annual IPD rate plus any additional negotiated increases. See calculations for each group below.
IPD = Implicit Price Deflator
PW = Prevailing Wage

Labor Groups

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Other Employee Groups

Frequently Asked Questions