Elementary School Teacher Salary in San Francisco, CA (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$96,460
in San Francisco · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$82,058
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#9
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in San Francisco
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in San Francisco, CA is $96,460 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,038/month or $46/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), San Francisco pays 30% more than the typical city.
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $96,460 in San Francisco is equivalent to $82,058 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 Francisco 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, CAYou are here | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in San Francisco
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $187,840 |
| Registered Nurse | $178,450 |
| Electrician | $104,240 |
| Accountant | $119,870 |
Full cost of living profile for San Francisco
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in San Francisco?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in San Francisco, CA is $96,460 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does San Francisco Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
San Francisco Elementary School Teacher pay ($96,460) is 30% above the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in San Francisco?
Yes. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $96,460 salary in San Francisco has the purchasing power of approximately $82,058 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology