Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a preschool teachers, except special education in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $48,220/year ($23.19/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $45K at the entry level to $70K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $43,670 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 104.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $48K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About preschool teachers, except special educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level preschool teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) start around $45K. Mid-career wages sit at $48K.Top earners bring in $70K or more - a $25K spread from bottom to top.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $50K | +35% | 1,070 |
| New Jersey | $47K | +25% | 17,990 |
| California | $46K | +24% | 49,260 |
| New York | $46K | +23% | 25,180 |
| District of Columbia | $45K | +21% | 2,770 |
| Massachusetts | $45K | +21% | 15,380 |
| Hawaii | $45K | +21% | 1,370 |
| Vermont | $45K | +21% | 1,480 |
| North Dakota | $44K | +19% | 570 |
| Washington | $43K | +17% | 13,020 |
| Kansas | $43K | +16% | 1,570 |
| Connecticut | $43K | +16% | 6,190 |
| Georgia | $42K | +14% | 11,230 |
| Oregon | $39K | +6% | 6,740 |
| Minnesota | $39K | +4% | 10,830 |
Track preschool teachers, except special education salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do preschool teachers, except special educations make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $48,220 a year - that works out to about $23.19 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,380, and experienced preschool teachers, except special educations can clear $70,010. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $48K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,300/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 105.5% 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 preschool teachers, except special education salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (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 preschool teachers, except special education salary is worth about $43,670 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do preschool 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.