Los Angeles vs San Jose: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,858 | $103,868▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.45 | $49.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,860 | $65,405▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,755 | $83,844▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,013▲ | $123,034 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,395▲ | $128,224 |
| Total Employed | 44,790▲ | 7,810 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and San Jose are closely matched on overall elementary school teacher compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Jose is $1,010 (0.98%). San Jose's median is +60.79% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $67,535,San Jose spans $62,819. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Jose ($94,064 effective) pays 3.86% more than Los Angeles ($90,571 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,395)
- ✓Larger job market (44,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,868/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,064)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Los Angeles grew 16.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$87,700 (2019) → $101,860 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$87,870 (2019) → $102,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Los Angeles or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Jose as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Los Angeles vs San Jose?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov