Middle School Teacher Salary in California
Based on 37K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$98,950
$47.57/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
+44.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $130K
37K employed in California
Middle School Teacher salary in California averages $98,950 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 44 percent. With approximately 37,300 educators working in this role across the state, California offers one of the most competitive compensation packages for middle school teachers in the country. Salaries range from $62,410 to $129,500 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Middle School Teacher salary in California, including years of experience, educational credentials, and district location. Teachers in high-cost urban areas and well-funded districts typically earn more than those in rural regions. Additionally, specialized certifications, advanced degrees, and tenure status all impact earning potential. Budget allocations at the district and state level also play a significant role in determining compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,410 |
| 25th percentile | $76,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,950 |
| 75th percentile | $111,610 |
| 90th percentile | $129,500 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,330 |
| 2023 | $99,430 |
| 2024 | $96,820 |
| 2025 | $98,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,127 |
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 | $92,330 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $99,430 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $96,820 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $98,950 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,127 | $70,077 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $129,500 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Middle School Teacher ($98,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in CA | $101,370 | +2.4% | $48.74/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CA | $99,650 | +0.7% | $47.91/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | -2.0% | $46.64/hr |
| Librarian in CA | $89,790 | -9.3% | $43.17/hr |
| School Counselor in CA | $86,500 | -12.6% | $41.59/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | -16.6% | $39.69/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | -49.9% | $23.83/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CA | $98,850 | -0.1% | $47.52/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | +0.6% | $47.85/hr |
| Editor in CA | $98,030 | -0.9% | $47.13/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -1.1% | $47.05/hr |
| Chemist in CA | $97,860 | -1.1% | $47.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make in California?
- The median salary for middle school teachers in California is $98,950 per year, or approximately $48 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 44.3% increase compared to teachers in other states.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers in California?
- Middle school teacher salaries in California range from $62,410 at the lower end to $129,500 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual school district pay scales.
Is teaching middle school in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, middle school teachers in California earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries 44.3% higher. The median California salary of $98,950 per year demonstrates the state's competitive compensation for educators.
How many middle school teachers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 37,300 middle school teachers currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's education system.