Secondary School Teacher Salary in California
Secondary School Teachers in California earn an average of $75,559 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$75,559
per year
Hourly Rate
$36.33
per hour
vs National
+15.9%
$65,220 national
Salary Range
$49,171
to $109,770
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$75,559
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$53,211
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Secondary School Teacher's salary of $75,559 has the purchasing power of $53,211 in an average-cost area.
Secondary School Teacher Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $90,241 | $43.39/hr | $58,763 | $127,563 | 1,098 |
| San Francisco, CA | $88,315 | $42.46/hr | $56,584 | $129,092 | 1,547 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $72,488 | $34.85/hr | $47,815 | $106,700 | 1,394 |
| San Diego, CA | $70,599 | $33.94/hr | $46,914 | $103,909 | 1,147 |
| Sacramento, CA | $66,285 | $31.87/hr | $42,365 | $98,444 | 963 |
| Riverside, CA | $65,425 | $31.45/hr | $42,584 | $92,914 | 1,050 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Secondary School Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 7,199 Secondary School Teachers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Secondary School Teacher Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$49,171
Starting salary for new Secondary School Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$75,559
Mid-career Secondary School Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$109,770
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Business Professor
$118,633
avg in CA
+$43,074 vs Secondary School Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$87,034
avg in CA
+$11,475 vs Secondary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$77,362
avg in CA
+$1,803 vs Secondary School Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$74,419
avg in CA
-$1,140 vs Secondary School Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$44,171
avg in CA
-$31,388 vs Secondary School Teacher
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Secondary School Teacher salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Secondary School Teacher Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Secondary School Teacher salary in California?
The average Secondary School Teacher salary in California is $75,559 per year ($36.33/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.9% above the national average of $65,220.
What is the highest paying city for Secondary School Teachers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Secondary School Teachers in California, with a median salary of $90,241 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $65,425.
What is the salary range for Secondary School Teachers in California?
Secondary School Teacher salaries in California range from $49,171 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $109,770 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $75,559 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.