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Public School Teacher · California

Teacher salary in California

Teachers in California earn a median $99,650 a year across all employers.

$99,650
median pay in CA, all employers
155,160
workers in CA (SOC 25-2021)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pay in California, all employers Sourced

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021) in California, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.

MeasureCA
Workers155,160
10th percentile$61,940
Median$99,650
90th percentile$127,070
National median, government employers$65,310

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pension in California

Local employees: Public school teachers

PlanAccrualNormal retirementEmployee paysSocial Security
CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program - CalSTRS 2% at 62
CalSTRS 2% at 62
2%age 62 with 5 years of service credit10.205%Not covered

The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the California pension plans list.

Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.

Employers in California

988 school districts in California, largest Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, Fresno Unified.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data, 2024–25 local education agency universe (directory and staff). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Free practice tests for California

Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.

More about this job

Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Public School Teacher page.

Public School Teacher in other states

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California government jobs · California public pension plans · police officer standards in California · exam practice in California