Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $115,440/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $82K at the entry level to $166K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $104,546 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 49% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $115K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $82K. Mid-career wages sit at $115K.Top earners bring in $166K or more - a $83K spread from bottom to top.
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $113K | +34% | 1,030 |
| Vermont | $107K | +27% | 90 |
| Kansas | $103K | +22% | 90 |
| Rhode Island | $101K | +19% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $100K | +18% | 610 |
| Connecticut | $99K | +17% | 240 |
| District of Columbia | $99K | +17% | 240 |
| New York | $97K | +15% | 1,740 |
| Illinois | $97K | +15% | 150 |
| Michigan | $96K | +14% | 370 |
| Pennsylvania | $96K | +13% | 570 |
| Maryland | $88K | +4% | 560 |
| New Jersey | $87K | +4% | 480 |
| Arizona | $87K | +3% | 190 |
| Virginia | $80K | -5% | 340 |
Track area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $115,440 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $82,020, and experienced area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys can clear $165,500. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $115K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,894/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 50.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $104,546 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.