Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in California
In California, kindergarten teachers, except special educations earn $84,550 at the median. The range runs from $51K at the entry level to $123K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $85K get you in California?
About kindergarten teachers, except special educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level kindergarten teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) start around $51K. Mid-career wages sit at $85K.Top earners bring in $123K or more - a $72K spread from bottom to top.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $86K | +41% | 320 |
| California | $85K | +38% | 6,520 |
| Washington | $85K | +38% | 4,670 |
| Connecticut | $84K | +37% | 1,390 |
| Massachusetts | $82K | +34% | 2,010 |
| District of Columbia | $75K | +22% | 180 |
| New York | $75K | +22% | 7,720 |
| Oregon | $75K | +21% | 1,450 |
| Maryland | $71K | +16% | 1,950 |
| New Mexico | $70K | +13% | 1,200 |
| New Jersey | $69K | +13% | 5,760 |
| Minnesota | $66K | +7% | 2,640 |
| Ohio | $66K | +7% | 2,900 |
| Alaska | $65K | +6% | 50 |
| Georgia | $64K | +3% | 4,680 |
Track kindergarten teachers, except special education salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do kindergarten teachers, except special educations make in California?
The median is $84,550 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $51,130, and experienced kindergarten teachers, except special educations can clear $123,380. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $85K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,322/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 41.4% 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 kindergarten teachers, except special education salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median kindergarten teachers, except special education salary is worth about $84,550 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do kindergarten 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.