Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondarys in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA make a median of $131,800 a year. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $206K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $119,362 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 44.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $132K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About chemistry teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level chemistry teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $132K.Top earners bring in $206K or more - a $128K spread from bottom to top.
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $132K | +53% | 1,580 |
| Kansas | $111K | +29% | 160 |
| North Dakota | $107K | +24% | 60 |
| Arizona | $106K | +23% | 190 |
| Utah | $105K | +22% | 280 |
| Nevada | $102K | +18% | 60 |
| New Jersey | $102K | +18% | 750 |
| New York | $102K | +18% | 1,920 |
| Minnesota | $100K | +16% | 430 |
| District of Columbia | $100K | +15% | 100 |
| Michigan | $99K | +15% | 600 |
| Rhode Island | $99K | +14% | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $98K | +14% | 740 |
| Oregon | $98K | +13% | 300 |
| Illinois | $95K | +10% | 930 |
Track chemistry 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 chemistry teachers, postsecondarys make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $131,800 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $78,420, and experienced chemistry teachers, postsecondarys can clear $206,320. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $132K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,704/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 45.2% 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 chemistry 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 chemistry teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $119,362 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do chemistry 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.