Elementary School Teacher Salary in Fontana, CA: $104,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Fontana, CA earns a median $104,235/year (≈ $50.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Fontana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $92,162 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the elementary school teacher salary in Fontana, CA, is projected to reach $104,235, which represents a staggering 61.36% increase compared to the national median salary of $64,597. The local salary range extends from $72,247 at the 10th percentile up to an impressive $161,564 at the 90th percentile. Additionally, salaries can be influenced by shortage stipends in vital areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education, which can enhance base compensation significantly. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost of living adjustments. Overall, Fontana’s job market reflects competitive compensation, particularly for educators specializing in high-demand subjects.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,247 | $34.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,410 | $42.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,235 | $50.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,420 | $64.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,564 | $77.67 |
Median Salary Position
61.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fontana
In Fontana, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,317 (2026 est.). At $104,235, the local median is 61.36% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fontana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fontana Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Fontana median: $104,235/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fontana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,226 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +61.36% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Fontana, CA earn a median of $104,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.36% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 4.00% above the California state average of $100,226.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fontana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fontana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,235 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,162 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,284
2025 BLS Actual
$103,223
2026 Current Est.
$104,235
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,076 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,544 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,207 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,256 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fontana metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $96,284 (2019) to $103,223 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,256 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,972 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fontana 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) | $72,247 – $89,410 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,410 – $104,235 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,235 – $133,420 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,420 – $161,564 |
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 Fontana
As local economic conditions suggest, Fontana employs 32 elementary school teachers, indicating an active but relatively small job market. The cost of living index in this area is 113.1, which is above the national average, impacting teachers' take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers in Fontana are K-12 public school districts, which generally follow a step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and education level. In addition to the foundational salary, various elements can influence earnings, such as stipends for teaching in shortage areas, summer and after-school programs, and advanced degrees. Strategies for maximizing pay in this market could include pursuing additional credentials like National Board Certification or seeking positions in specialized programs that offer higher compensation. Understanding the pay dynamics within Fontana helps candidates focus their job search on districts that best align with their salary expectations.
More salary data for Fontana, 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 $103,223 for elementary school teachersin the Fontana 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 Fontana 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