Elementary School Teacher Salary in San Clemente, CA: $99,679 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in San Clemente, CA earns a median $99,679/year (≈ $47.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in San Clemente's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $88,134 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for elementary school teachers in San Clemente, California, demonstrates a competitive edge, featuring a median annual salary of $99,679. The salary range spans from $71,727 at the 10th percentile to $154,503 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation based on experience and qualification levels. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, underscore the district's ability to attract qualified educators. Teachers with advanced degrees, particularly those holding master's plus 30 credits, often find themselves positioned favorably within the district's step-and-lane scale, reflecting the strong overall employment prospects for educators in this coastal California community.
About the San Clemente Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,727 | $34.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,800 | $43.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,679 | $47.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,589 | $61.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,503 | $74.28 |
Median Salary Position
54.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Clemente
In San Clemente, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,776 (2026 est.). At $99,679, the local median is 54.31% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Clemente: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Clemente Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
San Clemente median: $99,679/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Clemente Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,281 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +54.31% more |
Elementary School Teachers in San Clemente, CA earn a median of $99,679 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.31% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.60% below the California state average of $100,281.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Clemente has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Clemente, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,679 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,134 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,077
2025 BLS Actual
$98,712
2026 Current Est.
$99,679
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,077 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,746 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,712 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,679 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Clemente metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $92,077 (2019) to $98,712 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,579 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Clemente 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) | $71,727 – $90,800 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,800 – $99,679 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,679 – $127,589 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,589 – $154,503 |
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 San Clemente
As of the latest data, only 10 elementary school teachers are employed in the San Clemente area, which suggests a niche job market impacted by a relatively high cost of living index of 113.1. While this index may erode take-home purchasing power, the potential for higher earnings remains with certain employers. Public school districts tend to follow a structured salary scale, rewarding teachers for years of experience and educational credentials. However, for those interested in maximizing their compensation, pursuing roles in sought-after disciplines like special education or STEM can lead to additional stipends. Therefore, prospective educators in San Clemente should consider not only their base pay but also the potential financial benefits from extended contracts, National Board Certification, and ongoing professional development when evaluating their overall earning potential in this attractive coastal district.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 $98,712 for elementary school teachersin the San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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