Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in California

$41,512 $134,719
10th pct Median: $78,325 90th pct
Percentile Annual Salary
10th (Entry Level)$41,512
25th Percentile$56,394
50th (Median)$78,325
75th Percentile$108,088
90th (Top Earners)$134,719
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

The California median salary of $78,325 for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School has the purchasing power of approximately $52,252 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).

California's higher cost of living (COL index: 149.9) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.

COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in California?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California earn a median annual salary of $78,325 per year ($37.66/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $62,660.
Is California a good state for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School?
California pays above the national average for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in California is higher average (COL index: 149.9).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 149.9 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $78,325 salary in California has the purchasing power of approximately $52,252 in Missouri. Higher living costs in California reduce real purchasing power.
How does California compare to neighboring states for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.

Top Paying Jobs in California

# Job Title Median Annual
1 Radiologists $387,400
2 Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric $382,775
3 Neurologists $369,500
4 Surgeons, All Other $368,150
5 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $339,850
6 Psychiatrists $312,248
7 Physicians, Pathologists $304,900
8 General Internal Medicine Physicians $304,175
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the education sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Required: Bachelor's degree

View national Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary data →