Creative & Education Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Los Angeles, CA is $90,067 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$90,067
vs State Avg
+$4,935
vs National
+$28,377
Cost of Living
146%

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $90,067, which is $4,935 above the California state average of $85,132. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,067 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Los Angeles spans from $60,444 at the 10th percentile to $147,460 at the 90th percentile — a $87,016 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,320, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,320. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $61,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,320
+$19,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,520
+$28,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,320
+$42,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $60,444
25th Percentile $71,248
Median (50th) $90,067
75th Percentile $115,632
90th Percentile $147,460

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$112,276
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$103,639
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$87,600
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$72,794
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Los Angeles

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Los Angeles, California is $90,067 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $60,444 (10th percentile) to $147,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,067, a teacher (k-12) in Los Angeles earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median teacher (k-12) salary of $90,067 is 5.8% above the California state average of $85,132. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $90,067 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Los Angeles? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.