California: education overview
Average teacher salary $103,552 (2024-25), #1 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 10,325 | 3,140 |
| Students | 5,897,886 | 608,220 |
| Share of students | 91% | 9% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 991
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 271,586
- Public school students
- 5,897,886
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
California has unified K–12 districts and separate elementary and high school districts, so the employing district determines which salary schedule applies. Unified districts normally use one teacher schedule across grades; pay is generally collectively bargained locally, with no statewide teacher salary schedule or teacher-specific salary floor.
Separate high school districts: yesStatewide salary schedule: noSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want some of the highest teacher salaries in the country, strong union contracts, and can plan around high housing costs.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.