verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Elementary School Teacher Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$99,650/yr
Median Hourly Wage
/hr
▲ 56% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
155,160
public U.S. Median
$63,970
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$90,002 #2 of 51

Elementary School Teacher pay in California, explained

Elementary school teachers in California earn a median of $99,650 per year (— per hour), which is 56% above the national median of $63,970. Entry-level workers earn around $61,940, while the most experienced elementary school teachers reach about $127,070. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $99,650 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $99,650 is worth about $90,002 in national buying power — ranking California #2 for real pay (vs #2 on the sticker number).

See the full Elementary School Teacher Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Elementary School Teacher pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$61,940
$29.78/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$99,650
—/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$127,070
$61.09/hr

Elementary School Teacher pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $99,650 $90,002
Oregon $77,130 $74,622 +$22,520
Nevada $65,040 $65,054 +$34,610
Arizona $56,590 $56,209 +$43,060

Elementary School Teacher in California: FAQ

How much do elementary school teachers make in California?

Elementary school teachers in California earn a median of $99,650 per year (— per hour), compared with $63,970 nationally.

Does California pay elementary school teachers well?

At $99,650, California pays 56% above the national median for elementary school teachers. An estimated 155,160 work in the state.

Elementary School Teacher salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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