Tutor Salary in California
Based on 60K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$49,570
$23.83/hr
vs National Average
$44,609
+11.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $103K
60K employed in California
Tutor salary in California averages $49,570 per year, positioning the state 11% above the national average. With approximately 60,260 tutors employed throughout California, the profession offers competitive compensation. Salaries in this field range from $36,850 at the entry level to $102,720 for experienced professionals, reflecting significant earning potential based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence tutor salary in California, including subject expertise, certification level, and years of experience. Location within the state matters considerably, as tutors in high-cost urban areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles typically earn more than those in rural regions. Additionally, tutors working with specialized populations or offering test preparation services often command higher rates than those providing general academic support.
Salary Distribution — Tutor in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,850 |
| 25th percentile | $40,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,570 |
| 75th percentile | $74,640 |
| 90th percentile | $102,720 |
Top-Paying Industries for Tutor (U.S.)
Which industries pay Tutors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Tutors in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $62,700 | 1K |
| Wholesale Trade | $56,350 | — |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $53,190 | 290 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $51,140 | 1K |
| Retail Trade | $49,900 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Tutor in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,210 |
| 2023 | $47,760 |
| 2024 | $47,680 |
| 2025 | $49,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,535 |
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 | $47,210 | $41,424 |
| 2023 | $47,760 | $43,444 |
| 2024 | $47,680 | $44,134 |
| 2025 | $49,570 | $44,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,535 | $46,377 |
Tutor Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $40,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,640 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $102,720 |
Tutor Salary in Other States
Related Tutor Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Tutor ($49,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Tutor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in CA | $101,370 | +104.5% | $48.74/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CA | $99,650 | +101.0% | $47.91/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CA | $98,950 | +99.6% | $47.57/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | +95.7% | $46.64/hr |
| Librarian in CA | $89,790 | +81.1% | $43.17/hr |
| School Counselor in CA | $86,500 | +74.5% | $41.59/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | +66.5% | $39.69/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CA | $49,560 | -0.0% | $23.83/hr |
| Medical Assistant in CA | $49,660 | +0.2% | $23.88/hr |
| Dental Assistant in CA | $50,110 | +1.1% | $24.09/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CA | $47,630 | -3.9% | $22.90/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in CA | $44,880 | -9.5% | $21.58/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tutors make in California?
- The median salary for tutors in California is $49,570 per year, or approximately $24 per hour. This is 11.1% higher than the national average, making California one of the better-paying states for tutoring positions.
What is the salary range for tutors in California?
- Tutor salaries in California range from $36,850 at the lower end to $102,720 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and client base among tutors in the state.
Is tutoring a good paying job in California compared to the national average?
- Yes, tutoring in California pays 11.1% above the national average, with a median salary of $49,570 annually. This makes it a relatively competitive position in California's job market.
How many tutors are employed in California?
- There are approximately 60,260 tutors currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's education and tutoring sector.