📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Preschool Teachers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$60,378
per year
Median
$54,642
per year
Hourly
$29.03
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$42,882
25th Percentile — Junior$53,040
50th Percentile — Median$54,642
75th Percentile — Senior$75,898
90th Percentile — Top Earners$83,845
💡 Top-earning Preschool Teacherss in California make up to $83,845 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$54.2k
2021
$55.3k
2022
$56.6k
2023
$57.8k
2024
$59.1k
2025
$60.4k
2026
📈 Preschool Teachers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.2% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Preschool Teachers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $93,586 +55.0% High
San Diego $89,359 +48.0% High
San Jose $103,850 +72.0% High
San Francisco $111,699 +85.0% High
Fresno $65,208 +8.0% High
Sacramento $73,661 +22.0% High
Long Beach $87,548 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $65,208 +8.0% High
Anaheim $85,737 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $84,529 +40.0% High
Riverside $77,284 +28.0% High
Stockton $71,246 +18.0% High
Irvine $93,586 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $71,246 +18.0% High
Modesto $67,623 +12.0% High
Fontana $73,661 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $69,435 +15.0% High
Glendale $89,359 +48.0% High
Fremont $96,605 +60.0% High
🔍
Preschool Teachers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Preschool Teacherss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $60,378 per year, California's Preschool Teachers 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 $42,882–$53,040, while experienced Preschool Teacherss can command $75,898–$83,845.

Looking ahead, the Preschool Teachers profession in California is projected to grow at 2.2% 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 Preschool Teachers salary in California is $60,378 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $42,520.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Preschool Teacherss 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 Preschool Teachers employment.
  • At $60,378/year, California Preschool Teachers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $42,520/year.