Creative & Education California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Teacher (K-12) Salary in California

The median teacher (k-12) salary in California is $85,132 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $61,690.

Median Salary
$85,132
vs National
+$23,442
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Teacher (K-12) Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $57,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,960 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,560
+$23,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,960
+$34,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $57,132
25th Percentile $67,344
Median (50th) $85,132
75th Percentile $109,296
90th Percentile $139,380

Major Cities for Teacher (K-12)s in California

The largest employment areas for teacher (k-12)s in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Los Angeles, CA
Metro area for teacher (k-12) employment
San Francisco, CA
Metro area for teacher (k-12) employment
San Diego, CA
Metro area for teacher (k-12) employment
San Jose, CA
Metro area for teacher (k-12) employment
Sacramento, CA
Metro area for teacher (k-12) employment

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in California

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.