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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Studies Teacher in California is $71,368 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Social Studies Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Social Studies Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $81,032 | $6,753 | $1,558 | $39 |
| Average | $71,368 | $5,947 | $1,372 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,968 | $5,164 | $1,192 | $30 |
AGM Armenian School - Santa Ana, CA
Sinai Akiba Academy - Los Angeles, CA
St Hope Public Schools - Sacramento, CA
University Instructors - Sacramento, CA
A Social Studies 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 Social Studies 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 Social Studies Teacher roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Social Studies Teacher positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Social Studies Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government | $85,642 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Education | $74,937 | $36.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Social Studies 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 | $81,032 | $6,753 | $1,558 | $39 |
| Average | $71,368 | $5,947 | $1,372 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,968 | $5,164 | $1,192 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Social Studies Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sinai Akiba Academy
Los Angeles, CA
Sinai Akiba Academy | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Sinai Akiba Academy is seeking qualified K-8 substitute teachers for the 2025-2026 academic year for Jewish Studies class... more
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Namaste Charter School Inc
CHICAGO, IL
Namaste Charter School Inc | CHICAGO, IL
The 6th Grade ELA & Social Studies Dual Language Teacher is a dynamic and inquiry-driven instructor who is dedicated to fostering student curiosity, growth... more
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Lutheran Social Services
ELK, WI
Lutheran Social Services | ELK, WI
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to join our ... more
9 Days Ago
Lutheran Social Services
PARK FALLS, WI
Lutheran Social Services | PARK FALLS, WI
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to join our ... more
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Lutheran Social Services
PHILLIPS, WI
Lutheran Social Services | PHILLIPS, WI
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to join our ... more
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Lutheran Social Services
HAWKINS, WI
Lutheran Social Services | HAWKINS, WI
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to join our ... more
9 Days Ago
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