Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Median annual salary $77,060 +22.4% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $56,960
90th percentile $129,530
Employed locally 280
National median $62,970

Compare Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary & buying power

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Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $56,960
    25th
    $67,840
    50th (median)
    $77,060
    75th
    $99,630
    90th
    $129,530

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary vs area income 71% Median Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary is 29% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $105,610
    Merced, CA $105,100
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $104,990
    Visalia, CA $103,560
    Modesto, CA $101,900
    Western Washington nonmetropolitan area $101,620

    Nearby metros — Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Merced, CA $105,100
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $104,990
    Visalia, CA $103,560
    Modesto, CA $101,900
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $101,590
    Napa, CA $101,430

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $45,820
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $80,630
    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

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical 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 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salaries?

    The median Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 22.4% above the national median of $62,970. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (10th percentile) earn around $56,960 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $67,840.