Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a psychology teachers, postsecondary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $121,600/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $67K at the entry level to $197K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $110,125 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 48.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $122K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About psychology teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level psychology teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $67K. Mid-career wages sit at $122K.Top earners bring in $197K or more - a $130K spread from bottom to top.
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $106K | +33% | 5,150 |
| North Dakota | $100K | +25% | 60 |
| Maryland | $100K | +24% | 660 |
| New York | $99K | +23% | 4,120 |
| Connecticut | $98K | +22% | 640 |
| Oregon | $96K | +20% | 400 |
| Rhode Island | $91K | +13% | 170 |
| Michigan | $90K | +11% | 1,060 |
| New Jersey | $86K | +7% | 1,470 |
| New Hampshire | $85K | +5% | 130 |
| Texas | $82K | +2% | 3,190 |
| Louisiana | $82K | +2% | 160 |
| Delaware | $82K | +1% | 80 |
| Utah | $81K | +1% | 250 |
| Vermont | $81K | +1% | 110 |
Track psychology teachers, postsecondary 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 psychology teachers, postsecondarys make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $121,600 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $67,130, and experienced psychology teachers, postsecondarys can clear $197,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $122K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,202/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 48.4% 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 psychology teachers, postsecondary 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 psychology teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $110,125 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do psychology 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.