Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in California
The median pay for a middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education in California is $96,820/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $61K at the entry level to $128K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $97K get you in California?
About middle school teachers, except special and career/technical educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level middle school teachers, except special and career/technical educations (10th percentile) start around $61K. Mid-career wages sit at $97K.Top earners bring in $128K or more - a $67K spread from bottom to top.
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $99K | +57% | 11,110 |
| California | $97K | +54% | 46,530 |
| Rhode Island | $90K | +42% | 2,380 |
| Massachusetts | $84K | +34% | 16,480 |
| New York | $83K | +31% | 34,830 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +29% | 7,880 |
| District of Columbia | $78K | +24% | 1,510 |
| Oregon | $78K | +24% | 6,640 |
| New Jersey | $78K | +23% | 26,510 |
| Pennsylvania | $77K | +22% | 25,980 |
| Maryland | $76K | +21% | 11,700 |
| Alaska | $76K | +21% | 1,170 |
| Utah | $75K | +20% | 5,320 |
| New Mexico | $74K | +17% | 4,120 |
| Ohio | $67K | +6% | 26,780 |
Track middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
Related careers in Education
Frequently asked questions
How much do middle school teachers, except special and career/technical educations make in California?
The median is $96,820 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,100, and experienced middle school teachers, except special and career/technical educations can clear $128,190. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $97K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,946/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 37% 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 middle school teachers, except special and career/technical 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 middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education salary is worth about $96,820 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do middle school teachers, except special and career/technical 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.