California ranks 3rd of 51 states and D.C. for preschool teachers, except special education pay, trailing top-paying Nebraska ($50,270) by $4,390 — a 10% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,860 to $60,890 — a $24,030 spread, 24% tighter than the national $31,770 range.
California employs roughly 11.1% of all preschool teachers, except special education in the country (49,260 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| 25th percentile | $38,400 | $18.46 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $45,880 | $22.06 |
| 75th percentile | $50,870 | $24.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,890 | $29.27 |
| Mean (average) | $48,560 | $23.35 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $45,880 | n/a |
| Nebraska | $50,270 | +10% |
| New Jersey | $46,570 | +2% |
| New York | $45,580 | -1% |
| District of Columbia | $45,090 | -2% |
| Massachusetts | $45,030 | -2% |
| Hawaii | $44,780 | -2% |
| Vermont | $44,760 | -2% |
| North Dakota | $43,990 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Tellers | $45,920 | 25,440 |
| Printing Press Operators | $46,020 | 11,990 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $46,040 | 107,090 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $45,680 | 27,320 |
| Data Entry Keyers | $45,680 | 14,040 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians | $45,680 | 19,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in California?
The mean preschool teachers, except special education salary in California is $48,560 per year. The median (middle) salary is $45,880 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in California?
Entry-level preschool teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $36,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $38,400 per year.
What is the highest Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $60,890 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $50,870 per year.
How does the California Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary compare to the national average?
The median preschool teachers, except special education salary in California is $45,880, which is +24% above national average of $37,120.