California ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($99,640) by $930 — a 1% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $61,940 to $133,160 — a $71,220 spread, 24% wider than the national $57,340 range.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.76 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.32× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $61,940 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $76,870 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $98,710 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $122,350 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $133,160 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $102,040 | N/A |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $98,710 | n/a |
| Washington | $99,640 | +1% |
| New York | $98,370 | +0% |
| Rhode Island | $89,040 | -10% |
| Massachusetts | $88,990 | -10% |
| New Jersey | $80,440 | -19% |
| Oregon | $79,600 | -19% |
| District of Columbia | $78,770 | -20% |
| Pennsylvania | $77,990 | -21% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,010 | 6,120 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $98,190 | 141,650 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $99,270 | 6,850 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $97,960 | 18,550 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $99,530 | 14,600 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $97,520 | 13,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary in California?
The mean secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education salary in California is $102,040 per year. The median (middle) salary is $98,710 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in California?
Entry-level secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $61,940 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $76,870 per year.
What is the highest Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $133,160 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $122,350 per year.
How does the California Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary compare to the national average?
The median secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education salary in California is $98,710, which is +53% above national average of $64,580.