As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drivers Ed Instructor in California is $67,130 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Drivers Ed Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Drivers Ed Instructor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $74,382 | $6,199 | $1,430 | $36 |
| Average | $67,130 | $5,594 | $1,291 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,722 | $5,060 | $1,168 | $29 |
Inside Higher Ed - San Diego, CA
State Center Community College - Fresno, CA
Inside Higher Ed - Bakersfield, CA
San Diego County Office of Education - La Mesa, CA
A Drivers Ed Instructor'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Drivers Ed Instructor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Drivers Ed Instructor | $65,617 |
| Intermediate Level Drivers Ed Instructor | $66,685 |
| Senior Level Drivers Ed Instructor | $68,749 |
| Specialist Level Drivers Ed Instructor | $71,448 |
| Expert Level Drivers Ed Instructor | $71,683 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Drivers Ed Instructors. 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:
Understanding how a Drivers Ed Instructor'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 | $74,382 | $6,199 | $1,430 | $36 |
| Average | $67,130 | $5,594 | $1,291 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,722 | $5,060 | $1,168 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Drivers Ed Instructor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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