California ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for elementary school teachers, except special education pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($99,110) by $920 — a 1% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $60,330 to $126,440 — a $66,110 spread, 19% wider than the national $55,570 range.
California employs roughly 10.2% of all elementary school teachers, except special education in the country (141,650 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $60,330 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $74,940 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $98,190 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $107,020 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $126,440 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $93,150 | N/A |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $98,190 | n/a |
| Washington | $99,110 | +1% |
| District of Columbia | $94,730 | -4% |
| Rhode Island | $86,900 | -11% |
| Massachusetts | $83,260 | -15% |
| New York | $82,480 | -16% |
| Connecticut | $78,740 | -20% |
| New Jersey | $77,150 | -21% |
| Alaska | $76,290 | -22% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinators | $97,960 | 18,550 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $98,710 | 96,050 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $97,520 | 13,200 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,010 | 6,120 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $99,270 | 6,850 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $97,080 | 72,660 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary in California?
The mean elementary school teachers, except special education salary in California is $93,150 per year. The median (middle) salary is $98,190 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in California?
Entry-level elementary school teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $60,330 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $74,940 per year.
What is the highest Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $126,440 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $107,020 per year.
How does the California Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary compare to the national average?
The median elementary school teachers, except special education salary in California is $98,190, which is +58% above national average of $62,340.