Average Teacher Salary in California Schools
The one thing most students studying education in college want to learn about before they graduate is what the average pay is for teachers in California schools. Luckily, average teacher salaries in California are frequently the highest in the nation. This is a big plus for teachers in California as the 2008-09 Certificated Salary Data from the California Department of Education indicated that the average teacher salary was $66,995. One unique thing about California is that each school district has a governing board who sets the schedules for their teachers' salaries, based upon level of education and year of experience. Teachers' average pay in California schools is much higher for those who have earned a master's degree, which also makes those individuals more attractive in the job market. There are a variety of colleges in the state where you can earn your degree, so that you can become a credentialed teacher in California.
California is a great state to become a teacher, because the state offers so much to do when not in class teaching. In addition teachers are provided with health insurance, leave, and retirement, but these benefits vary based on school district. Almost all schools in California take the summer off which is great if you want to travel during the summer. However some schools in California have year round classes where teachers are on for 45 days then take 15 days off. Teachers' average pay in California schools will vary depending on many factors, like public or private schools, and education level.
One major variable that can affect a teacher's average pay in California schools, is what level student that the teacher is educating. Teachers in California can specialize in a variety of areas like special education, preschool, college, or middle school. Below is some of the most current data from the State of California Employment Development Department, and various types of teachers' average pay in California schools. This data is from the 1st Quarter of 2009.
If you want to become a teacher in California, then review some of the teaching colleges on this site and request FREE information from the ones that interest you to learn more about enrolling today.
| Type of California Teacher | Annual Wage or Salary |
| Business Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $87,052 |
| Computer Science Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $88,524 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $93,204 |
| Architecture Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $84,554 |
| Engineering Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $99,732 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $85,173 |
| Biological Science Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $91,414 |
| Forestry and Conservation Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $61,480 |
| Atmospheric/Space Sciences Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $92,660 |
| Chemistry Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $89,511 |
| Environmental Science Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $115,075 |
| Physics Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $101,084 |
| Anthropology/Archeology Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $85,921 |
| Area and Ethnic Studies Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $99,103 |
| Economics Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $93,496 |
| Geography Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $77,047 |
| Political Science Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $86,588 |
| Psychology Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $82,319 |
| Sociology Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $100,561 |
| Social Sciences Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary, All Other | $100,553 |
| Health Specialties Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $92,180 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $75,866 |
| Education Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $81,934 |
| Library Science Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $86,775 |
| Criminal Justice Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $88,439 |
| Law Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $95,095 |
| Social Work Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $110,017 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $91,633 |
| Communications Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $83,883 |
| English Language Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $83,155 |
| Foreign Language Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $83,124 |
| History Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $85,473 |
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $75,827 |
| Graduate Teaching Assistants Salary in California | $32,078 |
| Home Economics Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $100,716 |
| Recreation and Fitness Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $91,276 |
| Vocational Education Teachers Salary in California, Postsecondary | $68,054 |
| Postsecondary Teachers Salary in California, All Other | $72,169 |
| Preschool Teachers Salary in California, Except Special Education | $30,472 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Salary in California, Except Special Education | $57,625 |
| Elementary School Teachers Salary in California, Except Special Educ | $62,767 |
| Middle School Teachers Salary in California, Except Special Education | $63,094 |
| Vocational Education Teachers Salary in California, Middle School | $55,275 |
| Secondary School Teachers Salary in California, Except Special Educ | $65,184 |
| Vocational Education Teachers Salary in California, Secondary School | $61,855 |
| Special Education Teachers Salary in California, Elementary School | $62,942 |
| Special Education Teachers Salary in California, Middle School | $64,020 |
| Special Education Teachers Salary in California, Secondary School | $65,929 |
