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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Secondary 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$99,740
Mean annual$112,950
Range (10th to 90th)$62,870 to $212,280
San Diego, California employment6,440
State vs national+38.2% vs national

Salary distribution

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

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$62,87025TH$76,460MEDIAN$99,74075TH$127,64090TH$212,280

The middle 50% of workers earn between $76,460 and $127,640, with a median of $99,740.

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
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Instructing

    Technical

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Learning Strategies

    Cross-functional

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.

  2. 02

    Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.

  3. 03

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

  4. 04

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

  5. 05

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

  6. 06

    Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

  7. 07

    Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

  8. 08

    Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.

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Other metros in California

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Secondary School Teachers in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Secondary School Teachers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $99,740.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Secondary School Teachers?
The San Diego metro median is +1.0% versus the California state median of $98,710.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Secondary School Teachers?
The San Diego metro median is +38.2% versus the BLS national figure of $72,150.
What is the salary range for Secondary School Teachers in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,870 and the 90th-percentile at $212,280 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Secondary 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.