Retired teachers in Los Angeles, including those who have served with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), receive an average annual income based on various factors related to their service and retirement plan.
As of December 15, 2024, the average annual pay for retired teachers in Los Angeles is approximately $47,338 per year. This translates to an hourly wage of about $22.76.
Average Retirement Income Details
The figures represent an average across the retired teacher job category in the Los Angeles area, providing a general benchmark for what former LAUSD educators might expect.
| Category | Average Annual Pay | Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Retired Teacher (Los Angeles) | $47,338 | $22.76 |
Factors Influencing Retirement Pay
The actual retirement income for an individual LAUSD teacher can vary significantly from this average, primarily depending on their specific retirement benefits and career history. Key factors include:
- Years of Service: The total number of years an educator taught in public schools in California directly impacts the calculation of their pension. More years of service generally lead to a higher benefit.
- Final Compensation: The average of an educator's highest salaries during their employment history, typically the highest consecutive 12 or 36 months, is a crucial component in pension calculations.
- Age at Retirement: Retiring at a later age, especially after reaching full retirement age as defined by the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS), often results in a higher monthly benefit.
- Benefit Election Options: CalSTRS offers various payment options (e.g., single life annuity, beneficiary options) that can adjust the monthly payout based on the needs of the retiree and any designated beneficiaries.
- Pension System: The primary retirement system for California public school teachers, including those in LAUSD, is CalSTRS. Benefits are determined by formulas unique to this system, which typically do not include Social Security benefits for educators who contributed solely to CalSTRS.
- Post-Retirement Employment: Some retired teachers may choose to work part-time or take on substitute teaching roles, supplementing their pension income.
Understanding these factors is essential for any LAUSD teacher planning for retirement, as they collectively determine the exact amount of their post-career earnings.
