Elementary School Teacher Salary in California
Elementary School Teachers in California earn an average of $74,419 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$74,419
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.78
per hour
vs National
+16.9%
$63,670 national
Salary Range
$48,455
to $109,173
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$74,419
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$52,408
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Elementary School Teacher's salary of $74,419 has the purchasing power of $52,408 in an average-cost area.
Elementary School Teacher Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $89,050 | $42.81/hr | $57,150 | $132,782 | 1,620 |
| San Francisco, CA | $85,781 | $41.24/hr | $55,989 | $128,603 | 1,881 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $71,266 | $34.26/hr | $47,996 | $100,765 | 2,212 |
| San Diego, CA | $69,863 | $33.59/hr | $46,510 | $99,735 | 1,375 |
| Riverside, CA | $65,488 | $31.48/hr | $41,567 | $96,667 | 1,510 |
| Sacramento, CA | $65,065 | $31.28/hr | $41,516 | $96,486 | 1,656 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Elementary School Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 10,254 Elementary School Teachers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Elementary School Teacher Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$48,455
Starting salary for new Elementary School Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$74,419
Mid-career Elementary School Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$109,173
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Business Professor
$118,633
avg in CA
+$44,214 vs Elementary School Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$87,034
avg in CA
+$12,615 vs Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$77,362
avg in CA
+$2,943 vs Elementary School Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$75,559
avg in CA
+$1,140 vs Elementary School Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$44,171
avg in CA
-$30,248 vs Elementary School Teacher
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Elementary School Teacher salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Elementary School Teacher Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Elementary School Teacher salary in California?
The average Elementary School Teacher salary in California is $74,419 per year ($35.78/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.9% above the national average of $63,670.
What is the highest paying city for Elementary School Teachers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Elementary School Teachers in California, with a median salary of $89,050 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Sacramento, CA at $65,065.
What is the salary range for Elementary School Teachers in California?
Elementary School Teacher salaries in California range from $48,455 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $109,173 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $74,419 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.