Elementary School Teacher Salary in San Diego, CA (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$86,960
in San Diego · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$78,526
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#24
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in San Diego
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in San Diego, CA is $86,960 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,247/month or $42/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), San Diego pays 18% more than the typical city.
San Diego has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $86,960 in San Diego is equivalent to $78,526 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the San Diego metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WA | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in San Diego
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $157,860 |
| Registered Nurse | $139,350 |
| Electrician | $82,400 |
| Accountant | $104,740 |
Full cost of living profile for San Diego
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in San Diego?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in San Diego, CA is $86,960 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does San Diego Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
San Diego Elementary School Teacher pay ($86,960) is 18% above the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $86,960 salary in San Diego has the purchasing power of approximately $78,526 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology