California Teacher Salary
Average and starting teacher pay in California for 2024-25, ranked among all states.
California teacher salary at a glance
In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in California earned $103,552, according to NEA. That ranks 1st among the 50 states and D.C. and is $29,057 above the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $101,084, so pay changed by 2.4%.
New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in California at $59,424, which ranks 3rd of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.
| California | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Average salary 2024-25 | $103,552 | $74,495 |
| Average salary 2023-24 | $101,084 | $71,985 |
| Starting salary 2024-25 | $59,424 | $48,112 |
| Average salary rank | 1 of 51 | |
| Starting salary rank | 3 of 51 |
States close to California in the ranking
New York (2nd, $98,655), Washington (3rd, $96,589). See all states ranked or compare California with another state.
Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average teacher salary in California?
NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $103,552 in California for 2024-25, which ranks 1st of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).
What is the starting teacher salary in California?
NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $59,424 in California for 2024-25, ranking 3rd of 51.
How does California compare with the national average?
The national average teacher salary is $74,495. California is $29,057 above it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and California is $11,312 above.
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