Communications Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Communications Teachers, Postsecondarys in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA make a median of $142,330 a year. The range runs from $80K at the entry level to $205K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $130,818 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 37.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $142K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About communications teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level communications teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $80K. Mid-career wages sit at $142K.Top earners bring in $205K or more - a $125K spread from bottom to top.
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $135K | +73% | 3,020 |
| Connecticut | $98K | +26% | 320 |
| Rhode Island | $93K | +19% | 90 |
| Oregon | $90K | +16% | 300 |
| New York | $84K | +9% | 2,930 |
| New Jersey | $83K | +7% | 1,220 |
| Michigan | $82K | +6% | 690 |
| Montana | $82K | +5% | 70 |
| District of Columbia | $81K | +4% | 230 |
| Minnesota | $79K | +2% | 440 |
| Illinois | $79K | +2% | 1,460 |
| Pennsylvania | $79K | +1% | 1,300 |
| Nevada | $79K | +1% | 80 |
| Maryland | $78K | +0% | 460 |
| Massachusetts | $78K | -0% | 1,130 |
Track communications teachers, postsecondary salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Maria-Santa Barbara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do communications teachers, postsecondarys make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $142,330 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $79,810, and experienced communications teachers, postsecondarys can clear $204,700. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $142K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,222/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 38% 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 communications teachers, postsecondary salary go in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Regional Price Parity of 108.8 (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 communications teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $130,818 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do communications 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.