Teacher Salary

Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Davis, CA: $73,378 (2026)

Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,378 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.113% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,879 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,003) within a few years of clinical practice.

$73,378
Starting Salary
$35.28/hr
Starting Hourly
$73,378
Entry Level
$97,003
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Elementary School Teacher Entry Level Salary in Davis, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Davis, CA elementary school teacher entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Davis, California, the starting elementary school teacher salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be around $73,378. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median salary of $97,003, illustrating the typical trajectory young educators may face as they establish their careers. It's encouraging to see that starting teachers can realistically expect their salaries to grow over the first few years. Within that initial period, many will see their compensation increase as they move towards the 25th percentile salary of $87,348, showcasing the potential for advancement as they gain experience and develop their skills in the classroom. For new graduates looking towards a teaching career, Davis appears to be a favorable market, offering competitive salaries well above the national median of $64,597.

About the Davis Market

Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Davis

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$73,378/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$87,348/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$97,003/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$124,164/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for elementary school teachers in Davis. The median salary is $97,003, compared to the national median of $64,597.$58.1K$83.1K$108.0K$132.9K$157.9K$73.4K10th Pctl$87.3K25th Pctl$97.0KMedian$124.2K75th Pctl$150.4K90th PctlUS Median$64.6K

Entry-level elementary school teachers in Davis, CA typically start between $73,378 and $87,348 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,977 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,00350.17% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of elementary school teacher pay in the Davis metro area.

Return on Investment

$85,000
Avg CA Program Cost
$73,378
Starting Salary
115.84%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.2 yr
Payback Estimate

The average education program cost in California of $85,000 represents just 115.84% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($73,378/year) in Davis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.

Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Davis

  • 1Research the Davis market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $73,378 to $87,348, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Davis's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.

Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range

The elementary school teacher wage spread in Davis is $76,977 ( 104.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,378, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,355.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$59,121

2025 BLS Actual

$72,666

2026 Current Est.

$73,378

2019–2027 Growth

+25.3%

Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Davis (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for elementary school teachers in Davis. Baseline $59,121 in 2025, projected to $74,097 by 2027.$55.8K$61.6K$67.4K$73.2K$79.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$59.1K$60.7K$66.6K$68.9K$71.2K$75.7K$72.7K$73.4K$74.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$59,121Actual
2020$60,651Actual
2021$66,590Actual
2022$68,893Actual
2023$71,151Actual
2024$75,693Actual
2025$72,666Actual
2026(current)$73,378Estimated
2027$74,097Projected

Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,121 in 2019 to $72,666 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,097. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your education Career in Davis

Several employers in Davis actively recruit new teachers, primarily public school districts that utilize district-level applications alongside state license verification. Opportunities also exist with charter networks, such as KIPP and Success Academy, which often seek candidates through alternative certification programs. Teach for America provides additional pathways by placing corps members in schools with critical needs for two-year commitments, whereas positions with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) cater to educators interested in international service with a cost-of-living adjustment premium. Credentials like a Bachelor’s degree, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, and a state teaching license are essential, while also offering advantages through optional endorsements such as a Master's degree or National Board Certification. As public school pay adheres to a step-and-lane scale based on experience and education level, new teachers in this market can anticipate manageable growth in salary over their first three years, especially in a high-cost area such as Davis. While public sector salaries range predominantly between competitive figures, charter schools may offer variable compensation packages that cater to specific teaching demands, like special education or STEM, which might include additional stipends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Davis in 2026?

Entry-level elementary school teachers in Davis start at approximately $73,378/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 0.98% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $35.28/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Davis?

Most elementary school teachers in Davis progress from the entry-level salary of $73,378 to the area median of $97,003 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $150,355 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is education school worth it in Davis?

With a starting salary of $73,378/year in Davis and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new elementary school teachers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Davis?

New education graduates in Davis typically start near the 10th percentile at $73,378/year, or approximately $35.28/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a elementary school teacher in California?

To become a licensed elementary school teacher in California, you typically need bachelor's degree in education plus state teaching license, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including California, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some elementary school teachers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Davis is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).

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

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