Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $80,630 +29.3% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $57,010
90th percentile $124,710
Employed locally 930
National median $62,340

Compare Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary & buying power

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Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
in
Santa Cruz, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $57,010
    25th
    $65,480
    50th (median)
    $80,630
    75th
    $102,360
    90th
    $124,710

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary vs area income 74% Median Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary is 26% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $103,580
    El Centro, CA $101,960
    Visalia, CA $101,340
    Salinas, CA $101,300
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $101,170
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $100,620

    Nearby metros — Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    El Centro, CA $101,960
    Visalia, CA $101,340
    Salinas, CA $101,300
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $100,580
    Modesto, CA $100,430
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $100,060

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $45,820
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $82,170
    Self-Enrichment Teachers $50,710
    Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $60,060
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $45,250
    Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $77,060

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in Santa Cruz, CA is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salaries?

    The median Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 29.3% above the national median of $62,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (10th percentile) earn around $57,010 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $65,480.