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Elementary School Teacher Salary in San Diego, CA

Elementary School Teacher salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Elementary School Teacher Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026

The median Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego, CA is $94,400 per year ($7,867/month, $45/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.

Entry Level
$64K
$31/hr
Median
$94K
$45/hr
Senior
$123K
$59/hr
Top Earner
$138K
$66/hr

Elementary School Teacher Take-Home Pay in San Diego

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$94,400
Federal Tax-$12,382
State Tax (9.3%)-$8,779
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$7,222
Annual Take-Home$66,017
Monthly Take-Home$5,501

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.8%
Median Home Price$780,000
Cost of Living Index160
City Median Salary$78,500
Elementary School Teacher vs City Median+$15,900

Elementary School Teacher Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Job Growth
1.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Literacy InstructionMath InstructionClassroom ManagementParent CommunicationIEP Knowledge

San Diego Job Market Overview

San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego, CA is $94,400 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Elementary School Teachers earn around $64,000, while senior-level professionals can earn $123,200 or more.
How much does a Elementary School Teacher take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Elementary School Teacher earning the median salary of $94,400 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $66,017 per year ($5,501/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 30.1%.
Is San Diego a good city for Elementary School Teachers?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Elementary School Teachers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a Elementary School Teacher in San Diego?
Key skills for Elementary School Teachers include Literacy Instruction, Math Instruction, Classroom Management, Parent Communication, IEP Knowledge. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include State Teaching License, Praxis Elementary, ESL Endorsement.
How does Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Elementary School Teacher salary is $59,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $94,400, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego, CA?

The median Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego, CA is $94,400 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Elementary School Teachers earn around $64,000, while senior-level professionals can earn $123,200 or more.

How much does a Elementary School Teacher take home in San Diego after taxes?

A Elementary School Teacher earning the median salary of $94,400 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $66,017 per year ($5,501/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 30.1%.

Is San Diego a good city for Elementary School Teachers?

San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Elementary School Teachers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.

What skills are needed for a Elementary School Teacher in San Diego?

Key skills for Elementary School Teachers include Literacy Instruction, Math Instruction, Classroom Management, Parent Communication, IEP Knowledge. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include State Teaching License, Praxis Elementary, ESL Endorsement.

How does Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego compare to the national average?

The national median Elementary School Teacher salary is $59,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $94,400, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.