RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Middle School Teachers salary in San Diego, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Diego metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$77,490
Mean annual$81,780
Range (10th to 90th)$60,740 to $99,640
San Diego, California employment2,260
State vs national+14.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego middle school teachers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$60,74025TH$65,510MEDIAN$77,49075TH$97,37090TH$99,640

The middle 50% of workers earn between $65,510 and $97,370, with a median of $77,490.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Internship/residency

Top skills (O*NET)

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Education and Training

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Instructing

    Technical

    4.1 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Learning Strategies

    Cross-functional

    4.0 / 5
  • Writing

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.

  2. 02

    Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.

  3. 03

    Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.

  4. 04

    Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.

  5. 05

    Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.

  6. 06

    Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.

  7. 07

    Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.

  8. 08

    Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for middle school teachers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Middle School Teachers in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Middle School Teachers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $77,490.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Middle School Teachers?
The San Diego metro median is -20.0% versus the California state median of $96,820.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Middle School Teachers?
The San Diego metro median is +14.1% versus the BLS national figure of $67,911.
What is the salary range for Middle School Teachers in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $60,740 and the 90th-percentile at $99,640 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Middle School Teachers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

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.