Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in California
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in California earn a median of $47,400 a year ($22.79 an hour), based on BLS data for 55,700 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,870 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,350 for the top 10%. That is 24% higher than the national median of $38,140. California ranks 6th of 51 states for preschool teachers, except special education pay. There are 3.1 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $51,190, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| 25th percentile | $43,910 | $21.11 |
| Median | $47,400 | $22.79 |
| 75th percentile | $59,150 | $28.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,350 | $31.42 |
| Average (mean) | $51,190 | $24.61 |
Half of preschool teachers, except special education 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 | $3,950 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,975 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,823.08 |
| Weekly | $911.54 |
| Hourly | $22.79 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $47,400 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Visalia, CA | $56,930 | 430 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $53,810 | 10,280 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $51,190 | 3,570 |
| Modesto, CA | $49,500 | 640 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $48,130 | 630 |
| Merced, CA | $48,120 | 290 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $47,780 | 420 |
| Salinas, CA | $47,280 | 600 |
| Vallejo, CA | $46,960 | 450 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $46,710 | 620 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $46,600 | 18,430 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $46,470 | 680 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $46,200 | 320 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $46,120 | 1,260 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $46,010 | 3,560 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $45,880 | 890 |
| Napa, CA | $45,660 | 190 |
| Yuba City, CA | $45,240 | 210 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $45,040 | 140 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $44,940 | 5,130 |
| Fresno, CA | $44,740 | 1,800 |
| Redding, CA | $44,580 | 220 |
| El Centro, CA | $44,370 | 140 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $44,250 | 3,070 |
| Chico, CA | $44,080 | 300 |
Highest-paying states for preschool teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 |
| Vermont | $49,730 |
| Hawaii | $48,780 |
| New Jersey | $48,220 |
| Kansas | $47,750 |
| California | $47,400 |
| Nebraska | $47,040 |
| New York | $46,520 |
| Alaska | $46,130 |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 |
See Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
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 25-2011. 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 preschool teachers, except special education make in California?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in California is $47,400 a year, or $22.79 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,870 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,350 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in California?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in California earn at least $65,350 a year. The top 25% earn $59,150 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,870 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $43,910 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in California?
About 55,700 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.