Creative & Education Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Sacramento, California

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Sacramento, CA is $72,794 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$72,794
vs State Avg
$-12,338
vs National
+$11,104
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $72,794, which is $12,338 below the California state average of $85,132. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $72,794 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Sacramento spans from $48,852 at the 10th percentile to $119,180 at the 90th percentile — a $70,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,560, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,560. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $49,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,560
+$7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,160
+$11,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,560
+$16,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $48,852
25th Percentile $57,584
Median (50th) $72,794
75th Percentile $93,456
90th Percentile $119,180

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
Los Angeles, CA
$90,067
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$87,600
Pop. 1,386,932

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

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Sacramento

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

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Sacramento, California is $72,794 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $48,852 (10th percentile) to $119,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,794, a teacher (k-12) in Sacramento earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Sacramento's median teacher (k-12) salary of $72,794 is 14.5% below the California state average of $85,132. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $72,794 in Sacramento 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 Sacramento? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Sacramento 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.