Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in California: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

What does a Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary really buy you in California?

California is 12.5% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary

$130,750

Median annual (2024)

→ -11.1%

Real Purchasing Power

$116,222

COL-adjusted (RPP=112.5)

California Cost of Living Index

California's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 112.5, meaning prices are 12.5% higher the national average. A Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary earning $130,750 in California has the equivalent purchasing power of $116,222 in an average-cost US state.

CA: 112.5

Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Key Insight

While $130,750 sounds high, California's elevated cost of living erases 11% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $116,222. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

Best States for Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary (After Cost of Living)

Where does Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. California

$116,222

RPP 112.5

2. Alaska

$100,088

RPP 102.0

3. Michigan

$97,376

RPP 93.4

4. New York

$92,434

RPP 107.6

5. New Jersey

$89,439

RPP 108.8

6. Montana

$88,604

RPP 90.3

7. Iowa

$88,585

RPP 88.4

8. Rhode Island

$88,080

RPP 104.7

9. Wisconsin

$86,955

RPP 92.3

10. Louisiana

$85,883

RPP 90.6

California ranks #1 out of 50 states for Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary after cost-of-living adjustment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California after cost of living?

A Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California earns a median salary of $130,750 per year. After adjusting for California's cost of living (RPP=112.5), the real purchasing power is $116,222 — a -11.1% difference.

Is California expensive to live in?

California's cost of living is 12.5% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for California is 112.5 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California: $130,750 x (100 / 112.5) = $116,222. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in California offset the salary?

Partially — a Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary's nominal salary of $130,750 in California has 11.1% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $116,222. However, California may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.