Elementary School Teacher Salary in Westminster, CA: $101,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Westminster, CA earns a median $101,314/year (≈ $48.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $89,579 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teachers in Westminster, California, can expect a median annual salary of $101,314 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $64,597. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $75,264 (P10) and seasoned educators potentially earning as much as $157,037 (P90). These figures represent local projections based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities. Westminster's step-and-lane scale, which reflects years of experience and educational attainment, plays an essential role in determining salary, especially for those pursuing master's degrees or higher. Teachers can also benefit from specialized stipends, impacting their overall compensation in the local job market.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,264 | $36.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,432 | $43.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,314 | $48.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,683 | $62.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $157,037 | $75.50 |
Median Salary Position
56.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,773 (2026 est.). At $101,314, the local median is 56.84% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Westminster median: $101,314/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $100,212 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +56.84% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Westminster, CA earn a median of $101,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.84% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 1.10% above the California state average of $100,212.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,314 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,579 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,587
2025 BLS Actual
$100,331
2026 Current Est.
$101,314
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,579 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,755 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,175 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $93,587 (2019) to $100,331 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,720 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $75,264 – $90,432 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,432 – $101,314 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,314 – $129,683 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,683 – $157,037 |
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 Westminster
Despite the relatively high salaries, the cost of living in Westminster, indicated by a cost of living index of 113.1, poses challenges for take-home purchasing power. Currently, there are 21 elementary school teachers employed in the area, reflecting a tightening job market that could favor experienced educators. When considering potential employers, K-12 public school districts generally offer competitive pay, while some charter networks and private institutions may vary widely based on their funding models. Factors contributing to differences in compensation include the district's step-and-lane pay structure, various stipends for shortage areas, and opportunities for additional work through tutoring or summer contracts. For teachers aiming to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining National Board Certification, and seeking positions in higher-paying institutions are recommended strategies in the Westminster market.
More salary data for Westminster, 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 $100,331 for elementary school teachersin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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