San Francisco vs San Diego: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,858▲ | $97,951 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.45▲ | $47.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,951▲ | $62,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,229▲ | $75,765 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,317▲ | $111,502 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,942▲ | $124,660 |
| Total Employed | 17,860▲ | 11,340 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Diego is $4,907 (5.01%). San Francisco's median is +59.23% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $64,991,San Diego spans $61,911. San Francisco 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 Francisco ($88,968 effective) pays 1.63% more than San Diego ($87,545 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,858/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,942)
- ✓Larger job market (17,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,968)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in San Francisco grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.3% growth in San Diego over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$81,020 (2019) → $101,860 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$67,690 (2019) → $97,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: San Francisco or San Diego?
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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