Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in California
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn a median of $129,150 a year, based on BLS data for 3,610 workers.
Pay ranges from $75,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $250,700 for the top 10%. That is 53% higher than the national median of $84,620. California ranks 1st of 49 states for biological science teachers, postsecondary pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.20 biological science teachers, postsecondary per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.61). The average (mean) salary is $146,810, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for biological science teachers, postsecondary in California
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $75,280 |
| 25th percentile | $99,550 |
| Median | $129,150 |
| 75th percentile | $177,180 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $250,700 |
| Average (mean) | $146,810 |
Half of biological science teachers, postsecondary earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,762.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,381.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,967.31 |
| Weekly | $2,483.65 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because biological science teachers, postsecondary are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
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Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $166,850 | 570 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $138,120 | 230 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $133,540 | 390 |
| Fresno, CA | $129,520 | 100 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $128,910 | 30 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $127,800 | 1,250 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $127,040 | 280 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $126,380 | 230 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $109,430 | 90 |
Highest-paying states for biological science teachers, postsecondary
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $129,150 |
| Massachusetts | $105,050 |
| Michigan | $103,620 |
| New Hampshire | $102,410 |
| Rhode Island | $102,300 |
| Delaware | $101,380 |
| Oregon | $100,820 |
| Montana | $100,480 |
| Illinois | $99,060 |
| New Mexico | $98,820 |
See Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $100,690 | — |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $165,110 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,630 | $36.84 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,410 | — |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,540 | — |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,960 | — |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,490 | — |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $128,470 | — |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $107,340 | — |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,680 | — |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $135,000 | — |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $111,850 | — |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $132,920 | — |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,280 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-1042. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a biological science teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The median salary for biological science teachers, postsecondary in California is $129,150 a year. Pay ranges from $75,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $250,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid biological science teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The top 10% of biological science teachers, postsecondary in California earn at least $250,700 a year. The top 25% earn $177,180 or more.
What is the starting pay for biological science teachers, postsecondary in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $75,280 a year, and a quarter of biological science teachers, postsecondary earn $99,550 or less.
How many biological science teachers, postsecondary work in California?
About 3,610 biological science teachers, postsecondary are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.