Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, elementary school teachers, except special educations earn $80,630 at the median. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $125K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $73,367 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 83.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $81K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About elementary school teachers, except special educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level elementary school teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $81K.Top earners bring in $125K or more - a $68K spread from bottom to top.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $99K | +59% | 30,790 |
| California | $98K | +58% | 141,650 |
| District of Columbia | $95K | +52% | 3,540 |
| Rhode Island | $87K | +39% | 4,080 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +34% | 32,100 |
| New York | $82K | +32% | 103,920 |
| Connecticut | $79K | +26% | 16,260 |
| New Jersey | $77K | +24% | 42,360 |
| Alaska | $76K | +22% | 3,380 |
| Oregon | $76K | +22% | 13,760 |
| Maryland | $75K | +20% | 32,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $74K | +19% | 47,220 |
| Delaware | $66K | +6% | 2,540 |
| New Mexico | $66K | +5% | 7,480 |
| Ohio | $65K | +5% | 50,110 |
Track elementary school teachers, except special education salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do elementary school teachers, except special educations make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $80,630 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $57,010, and experienced elementary school teachers, except special educations can clear $124,710. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $81K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,123/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 82.3% 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 elementary school teachers, except special education salary go in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (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 elementary school teachers, except special education salary is worth about $73,367 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do elementary school teachers, except special educations 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.