Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, kindergarten teachers, except special educations earn $104,810 at the median. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $122K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $96,333 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 48.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $105K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About kindergarten teachers, except special educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level kindergarten teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $105K.Top earners bring in $122K or more - a $58K 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much do kindergarten teachers, except special educations make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $104,810 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $64,720, and experienced kindergarten teachers, except special educations can clear $122,420. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $105K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,353/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 49.2% 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 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 kindergarten teachers, except special education salary is worth about $96,333 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.