Riverside vs Santa Monica: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Monica, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,485 | $101,306▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.83 | $48.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,941 | $75,556▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,774 | $90,415▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,902 | $127,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,132 | $157,025▲ |
| Total Employed | 18,850▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Santa Monica, CA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Monica is $1,821 (1.83%). Santa Monica's median is +56.83% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $69,191,Santa Monica spans $81,469. Santa Monica has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($93,464 effective) pays 4.35% more than Santa Monica ($89,572 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (18,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,464)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Monica if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,306/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,025)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Riverside grew 8.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.6% growth in Santa Monica over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$91,230 (2019) → $98,520 (2025)
Santa Monica, CA
$105,166 (2024) → $100,323 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Riverside or Santa Monica?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Monica?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Monica as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Riverside vs Santa Monica?
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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