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1st Grade Teacher Salary in California

How much does a 1st Grade Teacher make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 1st Grade Teacher in California is $70,765 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a 1st Grade Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,592
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,172 to $80,097
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,437
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 1st Grade Teacher Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 1st Grade Teacher Salaries

A 1st Grade Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 1st Grade Teacher Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 1st Grade Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $65,386
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $65,699
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $69,469
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $73,098
  • Expert (over 8 years): $73,357
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level 1st Grade Teacher less than 1 year $65,386
Early Career Level 1st Grade Teacher 1-2 years $65,699
Mid-Level Level 1st Grade Teacher 2-4 years $69,469
Senior-Level Level 1st Grade Teacher 5-8 years $73,098
Expert Level 1st Grade Teacher over 8 years $73,357

How Do 1st Grade Teacher Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 1st Grade Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $71,034.
  • California: $70,765.
  • Massachusetts: $69,822.

Top Paying Cities for 1st Grade Teacher

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $70,887
  • West Hollywood: $70,836
  • Dodgertown: $70,886

1st Grade Teacher Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 1st Grade Teacher roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, 1st Grade Teacher positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view 1st Grade Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 1st Grade Teacher

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Hospitality & Leisure $77,841 $37.0 10%
Healthcare $74,303 $36.0 5%

1st Grade Teacher Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 1st Grade Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$61,172
Average $70,765/year
$80,097
$5,098
Average $5,897/month
$6,675
$1,176
Average $1,361/week
$1,540
$29
Average $34/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,097 $6,675 $1,540 $39
Average $70,765 $5,897 $1,361 $34
25th Percentile $61,172 $5,098 $1,176 $29

Find Your Next 1st Grade Teacher Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 1st Grade Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Bentley School | Oakland, CA

    Fourth Grade Lead Teacher

    Bentley School | Oakland, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Reports To:    . K-8 Director. Position Type: . Full-Time, Faculty, Exempt.  . Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, i... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Marcus Garvey Elementary And Presch | Los Angeles, CA

    4th and 5th Grade Teacher

    Marcus Garvey Elementary And Presch | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k) matching. Bonus based on performance. Competitive salary. Free food & snacks. Free uniforms. Health insu... more

    4 Days Ago

  • AMETHOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | Oakland, CA

    8th Grade Science Teacher

    AMETHOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | Oakland, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description.  . Description. Amethod Public Schools (AMPS) is a mission and values driven organization. Our mission is to... more

    5 Days Ago

  • St Matthew Catholic School | San Mateo, CA

    4th Grade Teacher

    St Matthew Catholic School | San Mateo, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. St. Matthew Catholic School. 4th Grade Elementary Teacher. St. Matthew Catholic School is a vibrant K-8 Catholic school s... more

    5 Days Ago

  • CREATIVE STEAM | Laguna Woods, CA

    6th Grade Teacher

    CREATIVE STEAM | Laguna Woods, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. We're Growing and We're Looking for Incredible Teachers to Complete Our Team. Full-Time Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. Are you a ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Encore Music & Performing Arts | South Pasadena, CA

    5th Grade Beginning Band Teacher

    Encore Music & Performing Arts | South Pasadena, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. 5th Grade Beginning Band Teacher. A growing music school with two locations is seeking a qualified Elementary School Band... more

    2 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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