English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, english language and literature teachers, postsecondarys earn $129,620 at the median. The range runs from $84K at the entry level to $218K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $119,136 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 40.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $130K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About english language and literature teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level english language and literature teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $84K. Mid-career wages sit at $130K.Top earners bring in $218K or more - a $134K spread from bottom to top.
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $131K | +67% | 4,920 |
| New Jersey | $99K | +26% | 1,730 |
| New York | $97K | +24% | 6,330 |
| Connecticut | $88K | +12% | 800 |
| Michigan | $85K | +9% | 1,860 |
| Vermont | $83K | +6% | 230 |
| Oregon | $83K | +6% | 750 |
| Maine | $82K | +5% | 260 |
| Massachusetts | $82K | +5% | 3,250 |
| New Hampshire | $82K | +5% | 260 |
| Texas | $81K | +4% | 4,670 |
| Minnesota | $80K | +3% | 910 |
| Maryland | $80K | +2% | 810 |
| Alaska | $80K | +2% | 120 |
| District of Columbia | $79K | +1% | 420 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much do english language and literature teachers, postsecondarys make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $129,620 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $84,020, and experienced english language and literature teachers, postsecondarys can clear $218,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $130K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,596/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 41.1% 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 english language and literature 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 english language and literature teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $119,136 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do english language and literature 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.