Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The median pay for a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $99,170/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $114K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $91,149 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 50.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $99K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $99K.Top earners bring in $114K or more - a $49K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $91K | +44% | 17,920 |
| Washington | $85K | +35% | 3,290 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +31% | 1,140 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +29% | 2,570 |
| New York | $81K | +28% | 20,500 |
| Massachusetts | $79K | +25% | 6,650 |
| Oregon | $78K | +24% | 1,730 |
| Rhode Island | $78K | +24% | 1,210 |
| Alaska | $77K | +23% | 370 |
| Illinois | $76K | +21% | 12,550 |
| New Jersey | $76K | +20% | 10,700 |
| Maryland | $76K | +20% | 3,640 |
| Michigan | $76K | +20% | 3,600 |
| Georgia | $68K | +7% | 9,700 |
| New Mexico | $66K | +6% | 1,000 |
Track special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Maria-Santa Barbara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $99,170 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,130, and experienced special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools can clear $113,890. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $99K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,066/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 51.5% 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 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school 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 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary is worth about $91,149 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools 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.