Creative & Education San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Teacher (K-12) Salary in San Diego, California

The median teacher (k-12) salary in San Diego, CA is $87,600 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$87,600
vs State Avg
+$2,468
vs National
+$25,910
Cost of Living
142%

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

San Diego offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $87,600, which is $2,468 above the California state average of $85,132. Compared to the national median of $61,690, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in San Diego spans from $58,788 at the 10th percentile to $143,420 at the 90th percentile — a $84,632 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,640, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,640. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $59,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,640
+$17,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,040
+$26,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,640
+$38,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $58,788
25th Percentile $69,296
Median (50th) $87,600
75th Percentile $112,464
90th Percentile $143,420

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
Sacramento, CA
$72,794
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in San Diego

Education

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

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in San Diego

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

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in San Diego, California is $87,600 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $58,788 (10th percentile) to $143,420 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,600, a teacher (k-12) in San Diego earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
San Diego's median teacher (k-12) salary of $87,600 is 2.9% above the California state average of $85,132. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $87,600 in San Diego 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 San Diego? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in San Diego 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.