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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Teacher in California is $116,926 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Lead Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $131,517 | $10,960 | $2,529 | $63 |
| Average | $116,926 | $9,744 | $2,249 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,686 | $8,557 | $1,975 | $49 |
Rainbow In A Cloud Child Development Center - Long Beach, CA
Guidepost Montessori - Corte Madera, CA
Crystal Stairs - Los Angeles, CA
Circle of Friends Child Development Center - Fairfield, CA
A Lead Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Teacher roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Lead Teacher positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lead Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $122,772 | $59.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Lead Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $131,517 | $10,960 | $2,529 | $63 |
| Average | $116,926 | $9,744 | $2,249 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,686 | $8,557 | $1,975 | $49 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
EYES ON YOU DAYCARE CENTER LLC
Hayward, CA
EYES ON YOU DAYCARE CENTER LLC | Hayward, CA
Job Description. Job Description. No Lead teacher experience necessary, but we do require teaching experience. We are willing to train if you think you hav... more
4 Days Ago
Piper Preschool
Irvine, CA
Piper Preschool | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. How to apply: Please apply directly through our link. https://www.piperpreschool.com/work. at-piper/. Job Description. Lo... more
5 Days Ago
TRAINING & RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Riverside, CA
TRAINING & RESEARCH FOUNDATION | Riverside, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. LEAD TEACHER. A Leadership Opportunity for Educators Who Are Ready to Grow. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS. Are you a... more
5 Days Ago
Faces SF
San Francisco, CA
Faces SF | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Organization Overview. At Family & Child Empowerment Services (FACES), we envision a future where all families have what ... more
5 Days Ago
YogaSix Culver City
Culver City, CA
YogaSix Culver City | Culver City, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Together our mission is to deliver the life-enhancing benefits of yoga by connecting students to a practice that is energ... more
5 Days Ago
Piper Preschool
Manhattan Beach, CA
Piper Preschool | Manhattan Beach, CA
Job Description. Job Description. How to apply: Please apply directly through our link. https://www.piperpreschool.com/work. at-piper/. Job Description. Lo... more
6 Days Ago
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