📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

High School Teacher Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$100,025
per year
Median
$95,907
per year
Hourly
$48.09
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$69,006
25th Percentile — Junior$84,884
50th Percentile — Median$95,907
75th Percentile — Senior$120,610
90th Percentile — Top Earners$132,874
💡 Top-earning High School Teachers in California make up to $132,874 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
$90.6k
2021
$92.4k
2022
$94.3k
2023
$96.1k
2024
$98.1k
2025
$100.0k
2026
📈 High School Teacher salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
High School Teacher Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $155,039 +55.0% High
San Diego $148,037 +48.0% High
San Jose $172,043 +72.0% High
San Francisco $185,046 +85.0% High
Fresno $108,027 +8.0% High
Sacramento $122,030 +22.0% High
Long Beach $145,036 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $108,027 +8.0% High
Anaheim $142,036 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $140,035 +40.0% High
Riverside $128,032 +28.0% High
Stockton $118,030 +18.0% High
Irvine $155,039 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $118,030 +18.0% High
Modesto $112,028 +12.0% High
Fontana $122,030 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $115,029 +15.0% High
Glendale $148,037 +48.0% High
Fremont $160,040 +60.0% High
🔍
High School Teacher Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for High School Teachers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $100,025 per year, California's High 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 $69,006–$84,884, while experienced High School Teachers can command $120,610–$132,874.

Looking ahead, the High School Teacher profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average High School Teacher salary in California is $100,025 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $70,440.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay High 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 High School Teacher employment.
  • At $100,025/year, California High School Teacher salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $70,440/year.