Secondary School Teacher Salary in California
Based on 99K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$101,370
$48.74/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
+43.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $133K
99K employed in California
Secondary School Teacher salary in California averages $101,370 per year, positioning the state as a leader in educator compensation. With approximately 99,230 secondary teachers employed throughout California, the profession offers competitive pay that exceeds the national average by 44 percent. Salaries in this field range from $64,600 to $132,600 annually, reflecting significant variation across the state's diverse districts and regions.
Several factors influence Secondary School Teacher salary in California, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific district funding levels. Geographic location within the state plays a meaningful role, as urban and coastal districts typically offer higher salaries than rural areas. Additionally, subject matter expertise in high-demand fields such as mathematics, science, and special education can lead to salary premiums, while cost-of-living adjustments in expensive regions further affect compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,600 |
| 25th percentile | $79,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,370 |
| 75th percentile | $125,920 |
| 90th percentile | $132,600 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary School Teachers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,260 |
| 2023 | $101,540 |
| 2024 | $98,710 |
| 2025 | $101,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,102 |
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 | $95,260 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $101,540 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $98,710 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $101,370 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,102 | $72,322 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,600 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Secondary School Teacher ($101,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher in CA | $99,650 | -1.7% | $47.91/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CA | $98,950 | -2.4% | $47.57/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | -4.3% | $46.64/hr |
| Librarian in CA | $89,790 | -11.4% | $43.17/hr |
| School Counselor in CA | $86,500 | -14.7% | $41.59/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | -18.6% | $39.69/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | -51.1% | $23.83/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | +0.1% | $48.78/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in CA | $100,770 | -0.6% | $48.45/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in CA | $102,100 | +0.7% | $49.09/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -1.8% | $47.85/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CA | $98,850 | -2.5% | $47.52/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make in California?
- Secondary school teachers in California earn a median salary of $101,370 per year, which translates to approximately $49 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 43.9% premium for teachers in the state.
What is the salary range for high school teachers in California?
- Secondary school teacher salaries in California range from $64,600 to $132,600 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and specific school districts.
Is teaching in California paid better than the national average?
- Yes, secondary school teachers in California are paid significantly better than the national average, earning 43.9% more at a median of $101,370 annually compared to the national average. This makes California one of the most competitive states for teacher compensation.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 99,230 secondary school teachers currently employed in California. This represents a substantial teaching workforce across the state's public and private schools.