Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lodi, CA: $96,997 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Lodi, CA earns a median $96,997/year (≈ $46.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Lodi's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $85,762 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the elementary school teacher salary in Lodi, CA, is projected to reach a median of $96,997, which signifies a notable 50.16% increase over the national average of $64,597. Salaries for teachers in Lodi range from $74,714 at the 10th percentile to $150,346 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse pay scale influenced by factors such as experience, education level, and specialty certifications, particularly for roles in special education, STEM fields, and bilingual education, which often receive additional stipends. These salary estimates are derived from state-level data, adjusted for regional cost variances, indicating that Lodi sits at the intersection of a competitive pay environment alongside a relatively high cost of living index of 113.1, making it essential for teachers to understand the financial dynamics at play in this market.
About the Lodi Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,714 | $35.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,348 | $42.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,997 | $46.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,917 | $59.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,346 | $72.28 |
Median Salary Position
50.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lodi
In Lodi, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,632 (2026 est.). At $96,997, the local median is 50.16% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lodi: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lodi Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Lodi median: $96,997/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lodi Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,204 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +50.16% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Lodi, CA earn a median of $96,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 50.16% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 3.20% below the California state average of $100,204.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lodi has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lodi, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,997 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $85,762 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,599
2025 BLS Actual
$96,056
2026 Current Est.
$96,997
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,599 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,197 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,632 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,056 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,997 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,948 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lodi metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $89,599 (2019) to $96,056 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,948 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,349 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lodi 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) | $74,714 – $88,348 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,348 – $96,997 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,997 – $123,917 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,917 – $150,346 |
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 Lodi
The local job market comprises 14 elementary school teachers currently employed in Lodi, a figure that underscores the community's educational needs and potential for job stability. The heightened cost of living in Lodi complicates the take-home purchasing power for educators, as the elevated cost of essentials can diminish financial comfort despite a higher salary compared to national standards. Public school districts and charter school networks like KIPP are among the top-paying employers in the area, though disparities in pay can arise due to various factors including years of experience, district-specific step-and-lane pay scales, and additional compensation for those in shortage areas. Strategies to maximize earning potential include pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining National Board Certification, and actively seeking roles within districts offering summer assignments or after-school tutoring opportunities. The distinct salary climate in Lodi presents both challenges and opportunities for educators navigating their careers.
More salary data for Lodi, 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 $96,056 for elementary school teachersin the Lodi 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 Lodi 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