California Teacher Salaries

California is a great state to become a teacher as California teacher salaries have consistently been among the highest in the nation. But good salaries are only part of the reason that people love to teach in California. California also has amazing beaches, lofty mountains for skiing and climbing, and world-class cities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that there were 128,930 secondary teachers in California in 2009, and their average salary was $63,860. However, the top ten percent earned over $91,000 per year. Of course, these top California teacher salaries come with higher levels of education and later in a teacher's career. Some teachers also choose to work during the summers to earn even more money.

If you'd like to increase your teacher salary, consider earning an advanced degree such as a master's degree or a doctoral degree. Your salary will also go up if you get national teacher certification. But before you can earn a great teacher salary, California teacher credentialing is your first step to becoming a teacher in the Golden State.
The following are California secondary teacher salaries from 2009 in selected cities, according to the BLS:

• Los Angeles/Long Beach/Glendale: $63,370
• Oakland/Fremont/Hayward: $64,630
• Sacramento/Arden-Arcade/Roseville: $59,050
• San Francisco/San Mateo/Redwood City: $64,100
• Santa Ana/Anaheim/Irvine: $73,890

In addition to great California teacher salaries, don't forget the other benefits of being a teacher such, as the enviable work environment, two months off in the summer, fantastic health, dental and retirement benefits, and the opportunity to help challenge the minds of the next generation.

Back to California Teacher Certification/Credentialing
or, the Steps to become a teacher in California