Elementary School Teacher Salary in Chula Vista, CA: $98,065 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Chula Vista, CA earns a median $98,065/year (≈ $47.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Chula Vista's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $86,706 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, California, elementary school teachers can expect a median annual salary of $98,065 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. The salary range for educators in this area spans from $66,417 at the 10th percentile to $152,000 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a robust compensation structure for those in the profession. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account regional cost factors. A teacher's placement on the step-and-lane scale, which considers experience and education level, plays a significant role in determining individual salaries, especially as positions that require advanced degrees, such as a master's plus 30 units, often secure higher pay.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,417 | $31.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,886 | $42.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,065 | $47.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,523 | $60.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,000 | $73.08 |
Median Salary Position
51.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,583 (2026 est.). At $98,065, the local median is 51.81% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chula Vista: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chula Vista Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Chula Vista median: $98,065/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chula Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,271 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +51.81% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $98,065 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.81% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.20% below the California state average of $100,271.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chula Vista has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chula Vista, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,065 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,706 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,585
2025 BLS Actual
$97,113
2026 Current Est.
$98,065
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,585 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,513 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,652 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,298 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,065 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,026 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $90,585 (2019) to $97,113 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,026 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,441 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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) | $66,417 – $88,886 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,886 – $98,065 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,065 – $125,523 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,523 – $152,000 |
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 Chula Vista
A total of 51 elementary school teachers are currently employed in Chula Vista, indicating a stable job market for this profession. However, the cost of living is a consideration, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, suggesting that salaries must be competitive to maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most robust compensation packages, often enhanced by stipends for teachers in high-need areas such as special education and STEM. The pay disparity in this market can be attributed to factors like the step-and-lane pay scale, which aligns compensation with teaching experience and educational attainment, in addition to potential extra earnings from summer school, after-school programs, or coaching positions. Teachers aiming to maximize their earnings in Chula Vista should consider obtaining advanced certifications or seeking positions in districts that utilize financial incentives for specialized subjects.
More salary data for Chula Vista, 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 $97,113 for elementary school teachersin the Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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