Salary distribution
Where San Diego elementary school teachers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $65,000 and $102,200, with a median of $78,430.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Education and Training
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.3 / 5
Instructing
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Learning Strategies
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- 02
Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- 03
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- 04
Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- 05
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- 06
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- 07
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
- 08
Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for elementary school teachers.
- Los Angeles$100,580
- San Jose$99,780
- San Francisco$98,890
- Sacramento$98,270
- Riverside$97,560
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Elementary School Teachers in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Elementary School Teachers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $78,430.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Elementary School Teachers?
- The San Diego metro median is -20.1% versus the California state median of $98,190.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Elementary School Teachers?
- The San Diego metro median is +15.6% versus the BLS national figure of $67,847.
- What is the salary range for Elementary School Teachers in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $60,870 and the 90th-percentile at $119,310 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Elementary School Teachers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.