Kindergarten Teacher Salary in California
Based on 7K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$82,550
$39.69/hr
vs National Average
$64,160
+28.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $124K
7K employed in California
Kindergarten teacher salary in California averages $82,550 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 29 percent. With approximately 7,430 kindergarten teachers employed throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation in the early childhood education sector. Salaries range from $53,210 to $124,400 depending on individual circumstances and employment settings.
Several factors influence kindergarten teacher compensation in California. Experience and tenure play crucial roles, with veteran educators earning substantially more than those entering the field. School district funding, geographic location within the state, degree attainment, and whether positions are in public or private institutions also affect salary levels. Additionally, cost-of-living considerations in high-expense areas like the Bay Area and Los Angeles contribute to the state's above-average compensation for this profession.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,210 |
| 25th percentile | $64,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,550 |
| 75th percentile | $107,340 |
| 90th percentile | $124,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Kindergarten Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Kindergarten Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Kindergarten Teachers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,890 | — |
| Educational Services | $62,780 | 107K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $51,910 | 210 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $46,920 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Kindergarten Teacher in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,040 |
| 2023 | $94,580 |
| 2024 | $84,550 |
| 2025 | $82,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,550 |
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 | $101,040 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $94,580 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $84,550 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $82,550 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,550 | $64,160 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,340 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $124,400 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Kindergarten Teacher Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Kindergarten Teacher ($82,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Kindergarten Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in CA | $101,370 | +22.8% | $48.74/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CA | $99,650 | +20.7% | $47.91/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CA | $98,950 | +19.9% | $47.57/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | +17.5% | $46.64/hr |
| Librarian in CA | $89,790 | +8.8% | $43.17/hr |
| School Counselor in CA | $86,500 | +4.8% | $41.59/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | -40.0% | $23.83/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CA | $82,720 | +0.2% | $39.77/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -0.9% | $39.31/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in CA | $83,500 | +1.2% | $40.14/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -2.1% | $38.85/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CA | $80,450 | -2.5% | $38.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kindergarten teachers make in California?
- Kindergarten teachers in California earn a median salary of $82,550 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 28.7% premium for teachers in the state.
What is the salary range for kindergarten teachers in California?
- Kindergarten teacher salaries in California range from $53,210 at the lower end to $124,400 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual school district pay scales.
Is kindergarten teacher pay in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, kindergarten teachers in California earn 28.7% more than the national average, with a median salary of $82,550 compared to significantly lower national figures. California's higher cost of living and state funding policies contribute to these elevated wages.
How many kindergarten teachers work in California?
- There are approximately 7,430 kindergarten teachers currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce dedicated to early childhood education in the state.