Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $45,190 +21.7% vs national
Median hourly $21.73
10th percentile $37,360
90th percentile $60,890
Employed locally 580
National median $37,120

Compare Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary & buying power

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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
in
Santa Maria, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,360
    25th
    $38,720
    50th (median)
    $45,190
    75th
    $50,340
    90th
    $60,890

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary vs area income 47% Median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary is 53% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area $61,180
    Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $60,480
    Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ $59,110
    Vineland, NJ $58,830
    South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $58,520
    Alaska nonmetropolitan area $55,060

    Nearby metros — Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX $54,780
    Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA $49,860
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $49,190
    Modesto, CA $48,630
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $48,220
    Napa, CA $46,850

    Related occupations in Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $44,930
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $100,060
    Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $79,400
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $99,930
    Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $49,470
    Self-Enrichment Teachers $45,470

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Santa Maria, CA is $21.73, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.79 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Maria above or below average for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salaries?

    The median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Santa Maria, CA is 21.7% above the national median of $37,120. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education (10th percentile) earn around $37,360 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,720.