California Teacher Salary
Real, self-reported pay data from California educators — 65 submissions and counting.
Top California Districts
California Teacher Salaries
| Date ↓ | State | Position | Salary | Education | Exp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25d ago | California | Support Staff / Para | $40,372 | Bachelor's | 2yr |
| 25d ago | California | Elementary | $67,000 | Master's | 1yr |
| 25d ago | California | Other | $92,000 | Bachelor's | 8yr |
| 25d ago | California | Other | $120,000 | Master's | 23yr |
| 25d ago | California | High School | $110,000 | Master's | 22yr |
| 25d ago | California | High School | $120,000 | Master's | 19yr |
| 26d ago | California | High School | $119,000 | Master's | 19yr |
| 26d ago | California | Other | $107,000 | Master's | 10yr |
| 26d ago | California | High School | $97,000 | Bachelor's | 19yr |
| 26d ago | California | High School | $189,000 | Master's | 24yr |
| 27d ago | California | High School | $109,000 | Master's | 7yr |
| 28d ago | California | High School | $70,000 | Master's | 3yr |
| 29d ago | California | High School | $94,000 | Master's | 8yr |
| 29d ago | California | High School | $94,000 | Bachelor's | 8yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $119,400 | Bachelor's | 28yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $118,000 | Bachelor's | 12yr |
| 1mo ago | California | Other | $75,000 | Doctorate | 3yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $119,000 | Master's | 12yr |
| 1mo ago | California | Other | $101,000 | Master's | 14yr |
| 1mo ago | California | Specialist | $95,000 | Master's | 15yr |
| 1mo ago | California | General | $92,000 | Bachelor's | 11yr |
| 1mo ago | California | Other | $112,000 | Master's | 11yr |
| 1mo ago | California | Other | $82,000 | Bachelor's | 3yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $150,000 | Bachelor's | 25yr |
| 1mo ago | California | Other | $110,000 | Master's | 14yr |
People Also Ask
How much do California teachers get paid?+
Based on 65 self-reported salaries on TeacherSalary.org, the average California teacher salary is $102,773 and the median is $103,000. Pay varies significantly by district, years of experience, and degree level.
Which California districts pay teachers the most?+
Among districts with reported data, Southern California School District, California School District, Los Angeles Unified School District tend to offer higher average teacher salaries in California. Suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more than rural ones.
Is teaching in California worth it?+
Whether teaching in California is financially worthwhile depends on your district, degree, and years of experience. California teachers receive pension benefits, summers off, and job stability — factors many educators weigh alongside salary. Use this database to compare compensation in specific districts before accepting a position.
Is California in a teacher shortage?+
Like most US states, California faces teacher shortages in high-need subjects (special education, math, science) and in rural or lower-income districts. Shortages often coincide with lower compensation relative to neighboring states or the private sector.
What degree do you need to teach in California?+
Most California teaching positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree plus a state teaching license or certification. Many districts offer higher pay on lanes for master's degrees or additional graduate credits. A small percentage of teachers hold doctorates.
Do California teachers get a pension?+
Most public school teachers in California are enrolled in the state's defined-benefit pension system, which provides retirement income based on years of service and final salary. Pension vesting periods typically range from 5 to 10 years. Teachers in charter or private schools may not be covered.
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