Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Davis, CA: $150,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Davis, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $150,355/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Davis's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $132,940 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced educators in Davis, the potential for top-tier salary is substantial, with the 2026 projected salary for the 90th percentile reaching $150,355. This figure not only highlights the earning potential for senior elementary school teachers in CA but also showcases a significant premium when contrasted with the national high-end salaries, which are notably lower. The disparity between the median annual salary of $97,003 and the top earners illustrates the rewards for those who invest in professional development, such as obtaining advanced degrees and special certifications. Achieving the highest compensation levels involves dedication to ongoing education and a willingness to take on leadership roles—factors that contribute to a competitive edge in this dynamic market.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Davis earn between $124,164 and $150,355 per year (2026 est.). This $76,977 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davis median of $97,003 sits 50.17% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Davis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,003 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,164 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $150,355 | $105,363 |
In Davis, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Davis
Advanced Certifications in California
CA elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $97,003 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davis employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Davis command premium compensation, often reaching the $124,164–$150,355 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Davis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Elementary School Teacher Career & Wage Growth Path in Davis
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavis ranks #128 of 158 California cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $150,355).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Davis ($150,355) is 16.98% above the California average P90 ($128,531).
2019 BLS Actual
$139,706
2025 BLS Actual
$148,896
2026 Current Est.
$150,355
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,706 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,875 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,572 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,039 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,829 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Davis saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $139,706 in 2019 to $148,896 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 0.98% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $151,829 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Davis
Throughout Davis, specific areas of expertise can command even higher compensation. Specializations such as STEM education and special education are in critical demand, often accompanied by significant stipends that can enhance total earnings. Teachers in roles such as instructional coaches, English Language Learner specialists, or Advanced Placement instructors may also find that their salaries exceed typical ranges, especially within K-12 public school systems. The senior-level pay can vary substantially depending on the type of institution—public districts typically adhere to step-and-lane scales while charter networks might offer unique compensation packages. Moreover, those pursuing career paths into administrative roles, such as assistant principal or district administrator, along with certifications like the National Board Certification, can substantially elevate their market value. In summary, the compensation landscape for senior elementary school teachers in Davis reflects a blend of strategic specialization, institutional context, and advancement potential, making it vital for educators to seek proactive career development opportunities.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Davis in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Davis?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Davis?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Davis?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Davis?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $148,896 for elementary school teachers in the Davis metro area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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