Elementary School Teacher Salary in Downey, CA: $101,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Downey, CA earns a median $101,490/year (≈ $48.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $89,735 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is $101,490, significantly exceeding the national median of $64,597. With salaries ranging from $70,975 at the lower end to $157,310 at the top, Downey offers a competitive pay scale due to its strategic placement on the step-and-lane model that considers years of experience and educational attainment. Those with a master's degree may find themselves earning at the higher end of this spectrum, particularly if they fall into the master's+30 category, which further enhances their marketability. This level of compensation reflects local adjustments based on cost of living and demand for quality educators, making the teaching position not only appealing but also a sustainable career choice in the area.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,975 | $34.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,298 | $43.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,490 | $48.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,907 | $62.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $157,310 | $75.63 |
Median Salary Position
57.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,335 (2026 est.). At $101,490, the local median is 57.11% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Downey median: $101,490/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,188 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +57.11% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Downey, CA earn a median of $101,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 57.11% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.30% above the California state average of $100,188.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,490 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,735 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,749
2025 BLS Actual
$100,505
2026 Current Est.
$101,490
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,749 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,049 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,357 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,485 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $93,749 (2019) to $100,505 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,485 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,736 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $70,975 – $91,298 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,298 – $101,490 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,490 – $129,907 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,907 – $157,310 |
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 Downey
The local job market for elementary school teachers in Downey is relatively robust, albeit modest, with 22 professionals currently employed in this sector. The cost of living index in Downey stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, teachers must also account for higher living expenses in this area. Among local employers, public school districts typically offer the most advantageous salaries and benefits compared to charter and private schools. Pay disparities stem from a range of factors, including the district's step-and-lane structure, regional shortage area stipends, and potential earnings from summer school or tutoring contracts. To maximize their earnings, teachers might consider pursuing advanced degrees and certifications, such as National Board Certification or additional education in high-demand fields like STEM or special education, which often come with higher compensation packages. Overall, understanding the nuances of pay structures and actively seeking opportunities for professional development will greatly benefit educators in Downey.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $100,505 for elementary school teachersin the Downey 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 Downey 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