Home / City Job Salaries / High School Teacher in Modesto

High School Teacher Salary in Modesto, CA

How much does a high school teacher make in Modesto? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Modesto's cost of living.

Median Salary
$107,088
per year in Modesto
Entry Level
$72,490
Starting salary
Senior Level
$148,275
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
125
25% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how high school teacher salaries break down across different pay periods in Modesto.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$72,490$107,088$148,275
Monthly$6,041$8,924$12,356
Biweekly$2,788$4,119$5,703
Weekly$1,394$2,059$2,851
Hourly$35$51$71

Modesto vs National Average

How Modesto's high school teacher salaries compare to national figures.

Modesto Salary
$107,088
COL Index: 125
National Average
$66,930
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$40,158
Higher in Modesto

Cost of Living in Modesto

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
229,286
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 125 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Modesto have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About High School Teacher

Overview

Teach specialized subjects to high school students.

Education

Bachelor's degree in subject area or Education; Teaching certification required

Key Skills

Subject ExpertiseCurriculum DevelopmentStudent AssessmentMentoring

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: High School Teacher Salary

See High School Teacher salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$99,260
-7%
Los Angeles, CA
$97,970
-9%
Chicago, IL
$80,440
-25%
Houston, TX
$64,230
-40%
Phoenix, AZ
$62,270
-42%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a high school teacher salary in Modesto.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Modesto.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Modesto.

High School Teacher Salary in Modesto, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a high school teacher in Modesto, CA is $107,088 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 125. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Modesto's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level high school teacher professionals in Modesto can expect to earn around $72,490 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level high school teachers earning approximately $148,275 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Modesto's cost of living index of 125 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Modesto are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $66,930, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a high school teacher's salary in Modesto typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 20.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

High School Teachers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Modesto, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.