Preschool Teacher Salary in California
Preschool Teachers in California earn an average of $44,171 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$44,171
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.23
per hour
vs National
+16.2%
$38,000 national
Salary Range
$28,927
to $64,039
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$44,171
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$31,106
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Preschool Teacher's salary of $44,171 has the purchasing power of $31,106 in an average-cost area.
Preschool Teacher Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $52,424 | $25.20/hr | $34,432 | $77,251 | 661 |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,448 | $24.73/hr | $32,871 | $77,006 | 790 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $43,495 | $20.91/hr | $28,630 | $62,277 | 771 |
| San Diego, CA | $41,630 | $20.01/hr | $27,100 | $58,132 | 675 |
| Sacramento, CA | $38,475 | $18.50/hr | $25,832 | $55,995 | 630 |
| Riverside, CA | $37,552 | $18.05/hr | $24,699 | $53,574 | 626 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Preschool Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 4,153 Preschool Teachers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Preschool Teacher Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$28,927
Starting salary for new Preschool Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$44,171
Mid-career Preschool Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$64,039
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Business Professor
$118,633
avg in CA
+$74,462 vs Preschool Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$87,034
avg in CA
+$42,863 vs Preschool Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$77,362
avg in CA
+$33,191 vs Preschool Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$75,559
avg in CA
+$31,388 vs Preschool Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$74,419
avg in CA
+$30,248 vs Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Preschool Teacher salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Preschool Teacher Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Preschool Teacher salary in California?
The average Preschool Teacher salary in California is $44,171 per year ($21.23/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.2% above the national average of $38,000.
What is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in California, with a median salary of $52,424 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $37,552.
What is the salary range for Preschool Teachers in California?
Preschool Teacher salaries in California range from $28,927 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $64,039 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $44,171 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.