Kindergarten Teachers Salary in California
Also called: Kindergarten Teachers
Kindergarten Teachers in California earn a median of $82,550 a year, +32% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $82,550
- vs. U.S. median
- +32% ($62,680)
- Rank among states
- 5 of 50
- Jobs in the state
- 7,430
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $53,210; the top 10% earn over $124,400. Nationally the range is $46,990 to $101,830.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$99,650 median in California
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$98,950 median in California
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$101,370 median in California
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$101,530 median in California
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$101,060 median in California
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$102,030 median in California
Kindergarten Teachers pay in California
How much do kindergarten teachers make in California?
The median is $82,550 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $53,210 and the top 10% earn over $124,400. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for kindergarten teachers?
On pay alone it ranks 5 of 50 (+32% vs. the national median of $62,680). Living costs are not included.