Elementary School Teacher Salary in Brea, CA: $95,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Brea, CA earns a median $95,099/year (≈ $45.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $84,084 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, the projected median annual elementary school teacher salary for 2026 is $95,099, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. Teachers in this region can expect salaries ranging from $74,250 at the 10th percentile to $147,404 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse pay scale among local educators. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate a noteworthy compensation structure that is bolstered by shortage stipends for critical areas such as special education, STEM, and bilingual education. This financial landscape is indicative of Brea’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled educators, especially in high-demand teaching specialties.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,250 | $35.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,012 | $41.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,099 | $45.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,833 | $58.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,404 | $70.87 |
Median Salary Position
47.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,154 (2026 est.). At $95,099, the local median is 47.22% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Brea median: $95,099/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,210 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +47.22% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Brea, CA earn a median of $95,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 47.22% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 5.10% below the California state average of $100,210.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,099 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $84,084 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,846
2025 BLS Actual
$94,176
2026 Current Est.
$95,099
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,846 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,715 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,392 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,749 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,176 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,031 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $87,846 (2019) to $94,176 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,031 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,185 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $74,250 – $87,012 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,012 – $95,099 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,099 – $120,833 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,833 – $147,404 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Brea
As of 2026, the local job market for elementary school teachers in Brea employs ten professionals, which may seem modest but speaks to a stable demand for educators in the area. The cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the higher living expenses could influence the disposable income of teachers. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts generally provide the most lucrative pay, but options exist in charter and private schools that may offer varied salary packages and stipends based on specific teaching assignments. Factors contributing to salary disparities include the district’s step-and-lane pay scale, incentives for teachers in shortage areas, and additional earnings through summer or after-school programs. For teachers looking to maximize their compensation in Brea, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications—especially National Board Certification—can enhance salary potential within a competitive environment. Understanding the wide range of pay and negotiating effectively for stipends where applicable can substantially improve financial outcomes for educators in Brea, CA.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $94,176 for elementary school teachersin the Brea metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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