Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$98,900$47.55 per hour · $8,242 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Elementary School Teachers Wage Percentiles in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29.57/hr | $5,125 | $61,500 | $49,866 |
| 25th Percentile | $36.83/hr | $6,383 | $76,600 | $59,816 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $47.55/hr | $8,242 | $98,900 | $73,453 |
| 75th Percentile | $57.26/hr | $9,925 | $119,100 | $85,786 |
| 90th Percentile | $60.63/hr | $10,508 | $126,100 | $89,973 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$98,900 measures up against local economic conditions:
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Compare elementary school teachers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Elementary School Teachers Pay in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
What is the median salary for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $98,900, which equates to approximately $8,242 per month or $47.55 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median hourly wage for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $47.55 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $29.57/hour and one in ten earned more than $60.63/hour.
What is the pay range for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
BLS wage estimates for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA span from $61,500 at the 10th percentile to $76,600 at the 25th, $119,100 at the 75th, and $126,100 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do elementary school teachers take home after taxes in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On a median gross salary of $98,900, an estimated $73,453 lands in net take-home pay per year ($2,825 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $25,447 (an effective rate of 25.7%).
How much do elementary school teachers make per month in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On the median annual salary of $98,900, gross monthly income is $8,242. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $6,121 per month (or $2,825 every two weeks).
Is $98,900 a good salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
At $98,900, the median salary for elementary school teachers is 89% of the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA median household income ($111,093). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 109.9, making regional consumer goods and services 9.9% more expensive than the U.S. average.