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Average Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in California

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $93,150, substantially exceeding the national average of $56,130. This significant pay differential is largely influenced by California's robust economy, higher demand for educators, and the state's overall higher cost of living, which necessitates competitive compensation to attract and retain qualified professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $93,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,440.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 141,650 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, California demonstrates a significant presence in this vital profession. The location quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, job market where demand remains consistent.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$93,150

The average Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in California earns+66.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$44.8

Weekly

$1,791

Monthly

$7,763

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned educators with advanced degrees and extensive classroom experience can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the clear career progression and earning potential available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$60,330$29
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$69,863$33.6
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$98,190$47.2
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$116,438$56
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$126,440$60.8

Detailed Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$93,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,256

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The nominal average salary of $93,150 in California presents a complex financial picture when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average, the elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or even slightly below, what a teacher might experience in a lower-cost state with a lower nominal salary.

Job Market Context

141,650

Total Jobs

7.845

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.87x the national average concentration of Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

California's location quotient of 0.87 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a market that is neither overly saturated nor critically undersupplied, implying a stable demand for qualified educators and a competitive, yet accessible, job market for those entering or advancing in the profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education make in California?

The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in California is $93,150. This typically ranges from $60,330 for entry-level positions to $126,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 66.0% higher than the national median of $56,130.

Is California a lucrative place for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations?

Yes, but with caveats.California offers a significantly higher average salary compared to the national average, making it financially attractive on paper. However, the substantially higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration for financial well-being.

Is California a good place to live for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($91,850) and Visalia, CA.

How does California's teacher salary compare to the national average?

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in California earn an average of $93,150 annually, which is approximately $37,020 more than the national average of $56,130.

What is the concentration of Elementary School Teachers in California compared to the rest of the US?

California's location quotient of 0.87 indicates that the concentration of Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.

How does the Cost of Living in California affect a teacher's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means that the higher nominal salary of $93,150 may not translate to proportionally higher disposable income.

What is the total number of Elementary School Teachers in California?

California employs a substantial workforce of 141,650 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, reflecting the state's large student population and educational system.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 141,650 employees in the California area with a job density of 7.845 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.