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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in California

Median: $47,400 / year · $22.79 / hr · 2025

24% above the U.S. average

Mean
$51,190
$24.61 / hr
Median hourly
$22.79 / hr
10th–90th percentile
$37,870 – $65,350
U.S. median
$38,140
Wage distribution (annual)
  • 10th percentile$37,870
  • Median$47,400
  • Mean$51,190
  • 90th percentile$65,350

U.S. median $38,140

Take-home estimate

$38,935

On a $47,400 OEWS median, single filer (2024). Not tax advice.

  • Federal income tax$3,704 (7.8%)
  • State income tax$1,135 (2.4%)
  • Social Security$2,939 (6.2%)
  • Medicare$687 (1.4%)
  • Net take-home$38,935 (82.1%)
  • Share of $47,400 gross (single filer). Not tax advice.

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Living-cost context

$42,811

U.S.-average purchasing power of this median. California RPP is 110.7 (11% above the U.S. average).

California cost of living →

Related occupations in California

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $99,650 +$52,250 vs this job Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $101,370 +$53,970 vs this job

ZIP codes in California

92336Fontana city90011Los Angeles city90650Norwalk city94565Pittsburg city91331Los Angeles city90044Los Angeles city92335Fontana city90250Hawthorne city90805Long Beach city90201Bell Gardens city91342Los Angeles city90280South Gate city

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Highest-paying states for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

California ranks #6 of 51 states and DC with a published OEWS median ($47,400).

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary by state
RankStateMedian
#1 Highest District of Columbia$62,150
#2Vermont$49,730
#3Hawaii$48,780
#4New Jersey$48,220
#5Kansas$47,750
#6California$47,400
#7Nebraska$47,040
#8New York$46,520
#9Alaska$46,130
#10Massachusetts$45,890
#11Connecticut$45,740
#12Washington$45,660
#13Colorado$45,500
#14Oregon$45,140
#15Maryland$44,600
#16South Dakota$44,500
#17New Mexico$44,070
#18Georgia$43,920
#19Maine$43,890
#20Minnesota$43,430
#21Illinois$40,910
#22North Dakota$39,720
#23New Hampshire$39,350
#24Nevada$38,870
#25Louisiana$38,020
#26Virginia$37,140
#27Michigan$37,110
#28Rhode Island$36,830
#29Indiana$36,650
#30Montana$36,540
#31Delaware$36,360
#32Arizona$36,300
#33Mississippi$36,250
#34Wisconsin$36,160
#35Missouri$36,090
#36Pennsylvania$36,050
#37Florida$35,860
#38North Carolina$35,710
#39Ohio$35,180
#40Utah$35,010
#41South Carolina$34,500
#42Tennessee$34,280
#43Arkansas$34,190
#44Texas$33,860
#45Iowa$33,830
#46Idaho$32,800
#47West Virginia$32,480
#48Oklahoma$31,790
#49Wyoming$29,930
#50Kentucky$29,780
#51 Lowest Alabama$28,310

Frequently asked questions

What is the median preschool teachers, except special education salary in California?
The OEWS median is $47,400 per year ($22.79 / hr) (2025), 24% above the U.S. average.
How much does a preschool teachers, except special education make per hour in California?
The OEWS hourly median is $22.79 / hr.
Is this take-home pay?
No. OEWS is pre-tax. A single-filer estimate on this median is about $38,935 after federal, state, and FICA. Use the take-home calculator to change the gross.
How does preschool teachers, except special education pay compare nationally?
The California median is 24% above the U.S. average versus the U.S. OEWS median of $38,140.
Which states pay preschool teachers, except special educations the most?
District of Columbia has the highest published OEWS median at $62,150. California ranks #6 of 51.
What is that salary worth after California living costs?
BEA all-items RPP is 110.7 (U.S. = 100), 11% above the U.S. average. $47,400 in California has about the same purchasing power as $42,811 at U.S. average prices.