📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Middle School Teacher Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$91,576
per year
Median
$88,878
per year
Hourly
$44.03
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$65,155
25th Percentile — Junior$80,227
50th Percentile — Median$88,878
75th Percentile — Senior$114,138
90th Percentile — Top Earners$125,806
💡 Top-earning Middle School Teachers in California make up to $125,806 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
$83.4k
2021
$84.9k
2022
$86.5k
2023
$88.2k
2024
$89.9k
2025
$91.6k
2026
📈 Middle School Teacher salaries in California have followed the national trend with 1.9% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Middle School Teacher Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $141,943 +55.0% High
San Diego $135,532 +48.0% High
San Jose $157,511 +72.0% High
San Francisco $169,416 +85.0% High
Fresno $98,902 +8.0% High
Sacramento $111,723 +22.0% High
Long Beach $132,785 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $98,902 +8.0% High
Anaheim $130,038 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $128,206 +40.0% High
Riverside $117,217 +28.0% High
Stockton $108,060 +18.0% High
Irvine $141,943 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $108,060 +18.0% High
Modesto $102,565 +12.0% High
Fontana $111,723 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $105,312 +15.0% High
Glendale $135,532 +48.0% High
Fremont $146,522 +60.0% High
🔍
Middle School Teacher Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Middle School Teachers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $91,576 per year, California's Middle School 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 $65,155–$80,227, while experienced Middle School Teachers can command $114,138–$125,806.

Looking ahead, the Middle School Teacher profession in California is projected to grow at 1.9% 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 Middle School Teacher salary in California is $91,576 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $64,490.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Middle School 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 Middle School Teacher employment.
  • At $91,576/year, California Middle School Teacher salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $64,490/year.