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School Administrator Salary in Modesto, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Modesto's cost of living (index: 108). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

School Administrator Salary in Modesto β€” Key Numbers

$111,737
Median Salary
$90,104
25th Percentile
$136,998
75th Percentile
$165,542
90th Percentile
National median (School Administrator)$103,460
vs. National median+8.0%
Modesto median household income$62,800
vs. City household income+77.9%

Cost of Living in Modesto

Cost of Living Index
108(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,400/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.0%
Annual rent cost$16,800
Median Home Price$375,000
Home Price / Salary3.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$75,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Modesto

6.4%
Unemployment Rate
560,000
Metro Population
28 min
Avg Commute
33.1
Median Age

Modesto has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.4% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a School Administrator make in Modesto, CA?

The estimated median salary for a School Administrator in Modesto is $111,737 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $103,460 adjusted by Modesto's cost of living index (108). The typical salary range runs from $90,104 (25th percentile) to $136,998 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $165,542.

Is Modesto affordable for a School Administrator?

On a $111,737 annual salary, a School Administrator in Modesto would spend approximately 15.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,400/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Modesto relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $375,000 is 3.4Γ— the annual salary.

How does a School Administrator's salary compare to Modesto's overall income?

Modesto's median household income is $62,800. A School Administrator earning the city-adjusted median of $111,737 earns 77.9% more than the typical Modesto household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.