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Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$97,170
Median Annual Salary
▲ +7.3% vs 2024
$93,510
Mean Salary
$97,170
Median Salary
$46.72
Hourly Rate
23,280 people work as Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $63,180$63,18025th25% earn less than $76,700$76,700MedianHalf earn more than $97,170$97,17075th75% earn less than $108,320$108,32090thTop 10% earn more than $123,590$123,590

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California earn a median salary of $97,170 per year ($8,097/month). This is 43.3% above the national average of $67,792. California ranks #2 out of 51 states for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay. Approximately 23,280 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 7.3% compared to 2024.

Salary Range: Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California

Salaries for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California range from $63,180 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $123,590 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $76,700 and $108,320.

Median $97,170
P10: $63,180 P25: $76,700 P75: $108,320 P90: $123,590
10th
$63,180
25th
$76,700
Median
$97,170
75th
$108,320
90th
$123,590
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $63,180 $30.38 $5,265
25th Percentile $76,700 $36.88 $6,391
Median (50th) $97,170 $46.72 $8,097
75th Percentile $108,320 $52.08 $9,026
90th Percentile (Experienced) $123,590 $59.42 $10,299

Note: The mean (average) salary of $93,510 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
California ranks #2 of 51 states
$67,792
National avg. for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
+43.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Data in California

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary by State

Compare Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in California?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California is $97,170 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $93,510.
What is the salary range for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California?
Salaries for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California range from $63,180 at the 10th percentile to $123,590 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $76,700 and $108,320.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California?
Entry-level Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School positions in California typically start around $63,180 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $76,700 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 23,280 people are employed as Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California is approximately $46.72 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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