Elementary School Teacher Salary in California
Based on 155K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$99,650
$47.91/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
+46.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $127K
155K employed in California
Elementary school teachers in California earn a median salary of $99,650 per year, significantly outpacing earnings in most other states. With approximately 155,160 educators in the profession throughout California, the state's compensation reflects both the high cost of living and its substantial investment in public education. This median sits 46% above the national average for elementary teachers.
Elementary school teacher salary in California varies considerably based on experience, location, and district funding levels. Teachers in high-cost urban areas and well-funded districts typically earn toward the upper end of the $61,940 to $127,070 range, while those in rural or under-resourced areas may fall closer to the lower threshold. Years of service, advanced degrees, and specialized certifications also play important roles in determining individual compensation within the state's education system.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,940 |
| 25th percentile | $77,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,650 |
| 75th percentile | $119,970 |
| 90th percentile | $127,070 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,860 |
| 2023 | $96,700 |
| 2024 | $98,190 |
| 2025 | $99,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,132 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,860 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $96,700 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $98,190 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $99,650 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,132 | $69,190 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $119,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,070 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Elementary School Teacher ($99,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in CA | $101,370 | +1.7% | $48.74/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CA | $98,950 | -0.7% | $47.57/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | -2.6% | $46.64/hr |
| Librarian in CA | $89,790 | -9.9% | $43.17/hr |
| School Counselor in CA | $86,500 | -13.2% | $41.59/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | -17.2% | $39.69/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | -50.3% | $23.83/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -0.1% | $47.85/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CA | $98,850 | -0.8% | $47.52/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in CA | $100,770 | +1.1% | $48.45/hr |
| Editor in CA | $98,030 | -1.6% | $47.13/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -1.8% | $47.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in California?
- Elementary school teachers in California earn a median salary of $99,650 per year, or $48 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 46.2% premium for teaching in California.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in California?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in California range from $61,940 at the lower end to $127,070 at the upper end, providing substantial variation based on experience, location, and district funding.
Is teaching elementary school in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, elementary school teachers in California earn 46.2% more than the national average, with a median salary of $99,650 compared to lower national figures. This makes California one of the highest-paying states for this position.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in California?
- There are currently 155,160 elementary school teachers employed in California, representing a substantial workforce in the state's education system.