Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in California
The median pay for a secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education in California is $98,710/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $133K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $99K get you in California?
About secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $99K.Top earners bring in $133K or more - a $71K spread from bottom to top.
Secondary 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 | $100K | +54% | 14,730 |
| California | $99K | +53% | 96,050 |
| New York | $98K | +52% | 76,730 |
| Rhode Island | $89K | +38% | 5,030 |
| Massachusetts | $89K | +38% | 29,100 |
| New Jersey | $80K | +25% | 34,510 |
| Oregon | $80K | +23% | 10,640 |
| District of Columbia | $79K | +22% | 2,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $78K | +21% | 52,650 |
| Alaska | $78K | +20% | 2,780 |
| Connecticut | $77K | +20% | 15,410 |
| Maryland | $77K | +19% | 18,140 |
| Illinois | $77K | +19% | 47,890 |
| Ohio | $77K | +19% | 51,470 |
| Delaware | $75K | +17% | 5,410 |
Track secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical 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 secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations make in California?
The median is $98,710 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,940, and experienced secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations can clear $133,160. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $99K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,043/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 36.4% 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 secondary 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 secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education salary is worth about $98,710 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do secondary 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.