Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in California
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn a median of $128,210 a year, based on BLS data for 2,480 workers.
Pay ranges from $60,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $225,640 for the top 10%. That is 32% higher than the national median of $96,980. California ranks 1st of 48 states for computer science teachers, postsecondary pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.14 computer science teachers, postsecondary per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.60). The average (mean) salary is $137,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer science teachers, postsecondary in California
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $60,850 |
| 25th percentile | $93,000 |
| Median | $128,210 |
| 75th percentile | $171,030 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $225,640 |
| Average (mean) | $137,170 |
Half of computer science teachers, postsecondary earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,684.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,342.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,931.15 |
| Weekly | $2,465.58 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because computer science teachers, postsecondary are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $173,640 | 70 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $166,550 | 300 |
| Fresno, CA | $144,170 | 50 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $141,210 | 110 |
| Merced, CA | $138,890 | 50 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $137,390 | 190 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $133,330 | 220 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $125,720 | 340 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $109,930 | 820 |
Highest-paying states for computer science teachers, postsecondary
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $128,210 |
| Massachusetts | $128,030 |
| Utah | $124,460 |
| Michigan | $107,690 |
| Oregon | $107,310 |
| Virginia | $106,780 |
| Nevada | $106,640 |
| Connecticut | $106,290 |
| Indiana | $102,660 |
| Delaware | $102,080 |
See Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $100,690 | — |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $165,110 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,630 | $36.84 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,410 | — |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,540 | — |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,960 | — |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,490 | — |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $128,470 | — |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $107,340 | — |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,680 | — |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $129,150 | — |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $135,000 | — |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $111,850 | — |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $132,920 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-1021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer science teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The median salary for computer science teachers, postsecondary in California is $128,210 a year. Pay ranges from $60,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $225,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer science teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The top 10% of computer science teachers, postsecondary in California earn at least $225,640 a year. The top 25% earn $171,030 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer science teachers, postsecondary in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $60,850 a year, and a quarter of computer science teachers, postsecondary earn $93,000 or less.
How many computer science teachers, postsecondary work in California?
About 2,480 computer science teachers, postsecondary are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.