Elementary School Teacher Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $99,036 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $99,036/year (≈ $47.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $87,565 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for elementary school teachers in Hawthorne, California, is projected to reach $99,036, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. This figure illustrates the effect of the high cost of living in the area, marked by a cost of living index of 113.1, indicating prices above the national average. The salary range for teachers extends from $70,340 at the 10th percentile to as high as $153,506 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a wide disparity that reflects differing levels of experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, indicate that Hawthorne offers competitive compensation for educators compared to many parts of the country due to its elevated living expenses.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,340 | $33.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,612 | $44.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,036 | $47.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,116 | $59.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $153,506 | $73.80 |
Median Salary Position
53.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,166 (2026 est.). At $99,036, the local median is 53.31% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hawthorne Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $99,036/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,239 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +53.31% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $99,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.31% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.20% below the California state average of $100,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,036 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $87,565 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,482
2025 BLS Actual
$98,075
2026 Current Est.
$99,036
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,482 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,075 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,036 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,007 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $91,482 (2019) to $98,075 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,007 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,525 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $70,340 – $91,612 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,612 – $99,036 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,036 – $124,116 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,116 – $153,506 |
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 Hawthorne
The local job market for elementary school teachers in Hawthorne consists of only 13 active educators, hinting at potential competition for positions but also a degree of scarcity that can influence salary levels. With a cost-of-living index exceeding the national average, the purchasing power for teachers can feel constrained, as higher salaries may not necessarily translate into greater financial ease. Within the city's educational landscape, K-12 public school districts typically follow a step-and-lane pay structure, which rewards experience and additional education. Those seeking to enhance their earnings might consider specialization in high-demand areas such as special education or STEM, often accompanied by stipends as a means to address shortages. Additionally, opportunities for summer contracts and after-school tutoring can provide supplemental income. As a career strategy, focusing on obtaining advanced degrees, achieving National Board Certification, or accumulating years of service will be critical for maximizing pay in Hawthorne's educational market.
More salary data for Hawthorne, 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 $98,075 for elementary school teachersin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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