Preschool Teacher Salary in California
BLS OEWS May 2025 · BLS occupation: SOC 25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Median in California
$47,400
$22.79 an hour
10th percentile
$37,870
90th percentile
$65,350
Jobs (wage & salary)
55,700
The median annual wage for preschool teachers, except special education in California was $47,400 in May 2025, $9,260 (24%) above the national median of $38,140.
The middle half earned between $43,910 (25th percentile) and $59,150 (75th percentile).
California ranks 6 of the 51 states and DC with a published median for this occupation.
The comparison is not adjusted for living costs.
BLS OEWS May 2025. Annual = hourly × 2,080. OEWS covers wage-and-salary workers only and leaves out the self-employed, workers in private households, overtime pay and most bonuses.
Percentiles
Pay range in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| 25th | $43,910 | $21.11 |
| 50th (median) | $47,400 | $22.79 |
| 75th | $59,150 | $28.44 |
| 90th | $65,350 | $31.42 |
| Mean (average) | $51,190 | $24.61 |
SOC 25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in California, BLS OEWS May 2025.