Education Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, education teachers, postsecondarys earn $103,310 at the median. The range runs from $49K at the entry level to $226K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $94,954 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 49.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $103K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About education teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level education teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $49K. Mid-career wages sit at $103K.Top earners bring in $226K or more - a $177K spread from bottom to top.
Education Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $86K | +19% | 3,180 |
| New York | $83K | +16% | 5,390 |
| Louisiana | $81K | +12% | 540 |
| Alaska | $80K | +11% | N/A |
| Rhode Island | $79K | +10% | 180 |
| Virginia | $79K | +10% | 1,500 |
| District of Columbia | $79K | +10% | 220 |
| Connecticut | $78K | +8% | 770 |
| Massachusetts | $77K | +7% | 2,180 |
| Vermont | $76K | +5% | 230 |
| Minnesota | $76K | +5% | 1,150 |
| Texas | $76K | +5% | 5,760 |
| Montana | $76K | +5% | 170 |
| North Dakota | $75K | +4% | 200 |
| Nebraska | $75K | +4% | 760 |
Track education 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 education teachers, postsecondarys make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $103,310 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,350, and experienced education teachers, postsecondarys can clear $226,040. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $103K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,277/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 49.8% 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 education 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 education teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $94,954 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do education 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.