Secondary 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 $82,170 +27.2% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $57,620
90th percentile $127,280
Employed locally 550
National median $64,580

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

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

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $57,620
    25th
    $66,060
    50th (median)
    $82,170
    75th
    $107,910
    90th
    $127,280

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary vs area income 75% Median Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary is 25% below the area median household income

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

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $106,970
    Kennewick-Richland, WA $105,630
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $105,400
    Kingston, NY $104,720
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $103,640
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $103,640

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

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $103,640
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $103,640
    Napa, CA $100,720
    Vallejo, CA $100,140
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $99,930
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $99,840

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$45,820
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$80,630
    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 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education make per hour in Santa Cruz?

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

    The median Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 27.2% 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 Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (10th percentile) earn around $57,620 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $66,060.