📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Kindergarten Teacher Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$87,117
per year
Median
$84,447
per year
Hourly
$41.88
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$62,064
25th Percentile — Junior$75,679
50th Percentile — Median$84,447
75th Percentile — Senior$106,312
90th Percentile — Top Earners$116,596
💡 Top-earning Kindergarten Teachers in California make up to $116,596 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$79.7k
2021
$81.1k
2022
$82.6k
2023
$84.1k
2024
$85.6k
2025
$87.1k
2026
📈 Kindergarten Teacher salaries in California have followed the national trend with 1.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $135,031 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $128,933 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $149,841 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $161,166 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $94,086 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $106,283 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $126,320 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $94,086 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $123,706 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $121,964 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $111,510 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $102,798 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $135,031 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $102,798 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $97,571 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $106,283 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $100,185 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $128,933 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $139,387 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Kindergarten Teacher Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Kindergarten Teachers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $87,117 per year, California's Kindergarten Teacher salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $62,064–$75,679, while experienced Kindergarten Teachers can command $106,312–$116,596.

Looking ahead, the Kindergarten Teacher profession in California is projected to grow at 1.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Kindergarten Teacher salary in California is $87,117 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $61,350.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Kindergarten Teachers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Kindergarten Teacher employment.
  • At $87,117/year, California Kindergarten Teacher salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $61,350/year.