Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $99,740 +54.4% vs national
Median hourly
10th percentile $62,870
90th percentile $212,280
Employed locally 6,440
National median $64,580

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Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
in
San Diego, CA
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    In San Diego, California, secondary school teachers, excluding those in special and career/technical education, earn a median annual salary of $99,740. This figure is significantly higher than the national median for the same occupation, which stands at $64,580. When compared to local household income, the median teacher's salary exceeds the area median household income of $102,285, suggesting that secondary school teachers in San Diego generally earn more than a typical family in the region. The high cost of living in San Diego is often reflected in such salary figures, which can be considered competitive within the context of local economic conditions.

    For entry-level secondary school teachers in San Diego, salaries start at the 10th percentile mark of $62,870, while those with more experience and who are situated at the 25th percentile earn around $76,460. As teachers gain further experience and potentially take on additional responsibilities or move into higher-paying districts within the area, their earnings can increase significantly to reach the median salary of $99,740 or even surpass it. At the 75th percentile, experienced educators may earn approximately $127,640, with top earners at the 90th percentile making up to $212,280 annually. The disparity in salaries is driven by a combination of factors including years of experience, educational qualifications, performance ratings, and additional certifications or specializations that can command higher pay. These elements contribute to a broad spectrum of earnings potential within the profession.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $62,870
    25th
    $76,460
    50th (median)
    $99,740
    75th
    $127,640
    90th
    $212,280

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary vs area income 98% Median Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary is 2% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in San Diego, CA is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salaries?

    The median Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary in San Diego, CA is 54.4% above the national median of $64,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in San Diego?

    Entry-level Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (10th percentile) earn around $62,870 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $76,460.