Kindergarten Teacher Salary 2025: Median $62,680, Outlook -1.6%
Kindergarten teachers (except special education) earn a median salary of $62,680 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest data. The mean annual wage is $69,370, which works out to about $30 an hour. Most teachers in this role make between $46,990 (10th percentile) and $101,830 (90th percentile).
How much Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education earn
The median pay for kindergarten teachers, excluding special education, is $62,680 a year as of 2024 BLS estimates. The top 10% of earners bring in over $101,830, while the bottom 10% make less than $46,990. Most experienced teachers in high-paying districts or states can expect salaries in the upper end of that range.
- National median salary: $62,680
- Mean annual wage: $69,370 (about $30/hour)
- Typical range: $46,990 to $101,830
Pay by state
Where you teach matters a lot. The highest-paying state for kindergarten teachers is Washington, with an average salary of $99,960. Connecticut follows at $90,030, then Rhode Island at $85,470, Massachusetts at $84,100, and California at $82,550. At the other end, Mississippi pays an average of $48,880, Oklahoma $47,860, and Montana $47,590. That's nearly a $52,000 gap between the top and bottom states.
How to become Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
To become a public school kindergarten teacher, you generally need a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. All states require public school teachers to be licensed, which typically involves completing an approved teacher preparation program and passing a state exam. Some states also require a master's degree within a certain number of years after starting. Private schools may have different requirements, but a bachelor's degree is still the norm.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or elementary education.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program (often part of your degree).
- Pass your state's licensing exams (e.g., Praxis).
- Apply for a state teaching license/certificate.
- Many teachers start as substitutes or teaching assistants while completing requirements.
Job outlook
Employment for kindergarten teachers (except special education) is projected to decline 1.6% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. That's a loss of about 108,870 jobs currently. However, the occupation will still see roughly 12,800 openings per year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the profession. Growth is limited by flat enrollment in kindergarten-age populations and budget constraints in many districts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for kindergarten teachers in 2025?
The BLS reports a median salary of $62,680 for kindergarten teachers (except special education) as of 2024, with a typical range from $46,990 to $101,830.
How do I become a kindergarten teacher?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, completion of a teacher preparation program, and a state teaching license. Requirements vary by state.
Is kindergarten teaching a declining field?
Yes, employment is projected to decline by 1.6% from 2024 to 2034, but about 12,800 openings per year will occur due to turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education data.