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3rd Grade Teacher Salary in California

How much does a 3rd Grade Teacher make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3rd Grade Teacher in California is $59,044 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a 3rd Grade Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $73,919
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,040 to $66,830
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,753
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3rd Grade Teacher Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 3rd Grade Teacher Salaries

A 3rd 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 3rd Grade Teacher Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3rd 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): $54,557
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $54,817
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $57,963
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $60,991
  • Expert (over 8 years): $61,207
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level 3rd Grade Teacher less than 1 year $54,557
Early Career Level 3rd Grade Teacher 1-2 years $54,817
Mid-Level Level 3rd Grade Teacher 2-4 years $57,963
Senior-Level Level 3rd Grade Teacher 5-8 years $60,991
Expert Level 3rd Grade Teacher over 8 years $61,207

How Do 3rd 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 3rd Grade Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $59,269.
  • California: $59,044.
  • Massachusetts: $58,257.

Top Paying Cities for 3rd 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: $59,146
  • West Hollywood: $59,103
  • Dodgertown: $59,145

3rd Grade Teacher Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3rd Grade Teacher roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 3rd Grade Teacher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3rd Grade Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3rd Grade Teacher

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $70,853 $34.0 20%
Software & Networking $70,853 $34.0 20%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $64,949 $31.0 10%

3rd Grade Teacher Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3rd 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
$51,040
Average $59,044/year
$66,830
$4,253
Average $4,920/month
$5,569
$982
Average $1,135/week
$1,285
$25
Average $28/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $66,830 $5,569 $1,285 $32
Average $59,044 $4,920 $1,135 $28
25th Percentile $51,040 $4,253 $982 $25

Find Your Next 3rd Grade Teacher Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3rd Grade Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Johnstonville Elementary School District | Susanville, CA

    6th Grade Teacher

    Johnstonville Elementary School District | Susanville, CA

    Job SummaryJohnstonville School is searching for a Full Time Teacher.Johnstonville Elementary School is a TK-8th grade school dedicated to student success.... 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

    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

    3 Days Ago

  • Sierra Sands Unified | Ridgecrest, CA

    Elementary Teacher and 6th Grade Faller

    Sierra Sands Unified | Ridgecrest, CA

    About the EmployerGrowing a Community of Engaged Learners Connecting to Future Opportunities Through Innovative EducationWe are located in the Indian Wells... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Day Prep | San Diego, CA

    Teacher one 8th grade student

    Day Prep | San Diego, CA

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJoin our dynamic team. Visit us at dayprep.comDay Prep is hiring a remote teacher for a 8th grade student.Start date :Tuesday... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Multicultural Learning Center Charter School | Los Angeles, CA

    STEM Teacher

    Multicultural Learning Center Charter School | Los Angeles, CA

    About the EmployerThe Multicultural Learning Center (MLC) is a TK-8 dual language public charter school with the mission to bring together a diverse commun... 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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