California pays special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school more than any other state — its $90,530 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $57,780 to $123,900 — a $66,120 spread, 25% wider than the national $53,030 range.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.66 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.52× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $57,780 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $72,870 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $90,530 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $104,860 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $123,900 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $89,850 | N/A |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $90,530 | n/a |
| Washington | $85,340 | -6% |
| District of Columbia | $82,400 | -9% |
| Connecticut | $81,220 | -10% |
| New York | $80,750 | -11% |
| Massachusetts | $78,820 | -13% |
| Oregon | $78,320 | -13% |
| Rhode Island | $77,930 | -14% |
| Alaska | $77,220 | -15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Editors | $90,570 | 14,920 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $90,900 | 23,160 |
| Logisticians | $90,950 | 28,410 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $89,880 | 51,520 |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | $91,400 | 5,660 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $89,120 | 36,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in California?
The mean special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in California is $89,850 per year. The median (middle) salary is $90,530 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California?
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $57,780 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $72,870 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $123,900 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $104,860 per year.
How does the California Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in California is $90,530, which is +44% above national average of $63,000.