Elementary School Teacher salary in California
Elementary school teachers in California earn a median $99,650 a year, 56% above the national median of $63,970. That ranks #2 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $72,616.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 25-2021. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $99,650 | $8,304 | $3,833 | $47.91 |
| Average pay | $95,670 | $7,973 | $3,680 | $46.00 |
| Take-home (median) | $72,616 | $6,051 | $2,793 | $34.91 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $13,093 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $7,623 |
| California income tax and state programs | $6,318 |
| Take-home | $72,616 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $65,585 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median elementary school teacher earns 2.8 times that.
Elementary School Teacher pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $99,650 | $72,616 | $65,585 |
| Arizona | $56,590 | $46,638 | $46,324 |
| Nevada | $65,040 | $54,440 | $54,451 |
| Oregon | $77,130 | $56,632 | $54,790 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do elementary school teachers make in California?
- The median salary is $99,650 a year ($47.91 an hour), and the average is $95,670, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do elementary school teachers take home in California?
- About $72,616 a year after federal and California taxes, or $2,793 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do elementary school teachers earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #2 of 51 for median pay, 56% above the U.S. median of $63,970. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #5.