Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in San Jose, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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In San Jose, CA, secondary school teachers earn a median annual salary of $103,640, significantly above the national median of $64,580 for this occupation. This substantial difference highlights the region's higher cost of living and competitive educational sector. When compared to the local median household income of $157,444, teachers in San Jose earn slightly below the average household earnings. The data suggests that while secondary school teaching is a well-compensated profession in this locale, it may not be sufficient for some families to meet or exceed the area's median household income without additional financial resources.
For entry-level secondary school teachers in San Jose, salaries start at $63,290 annually (10th percentile), which represents a modest beginning compared to more seasoned professionals. Those in the 25th percentile earn around $78,680, indicating that experience and possibly further qualifications can significantly boost earnings early on. At the higher end of the spectrum, teachers in the 75th percentile earn approximately $124,970 annually, while those at the 90th percentile can command salaries up to $150,400. The salary progression is driven by factors such as years of service, educational attainment beyond a bachelor's degree, and specialized skills or certifications that enhance teaching effectiveness and leadership potential within schools.
Salary percentile breakdown
San Jose economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education make per hour in San Jose?
The median hourly wage for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in San Jose, CA is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.
Is San Jose 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 Jose, CA is 60.5% 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 Jose?
Entry-level Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (10th percentile) earn around $63,290 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $78,680.