Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher Salary 2025: $43,780 Median, 587,650 Jobs
Preschool and kindergarten teachers in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $43,780, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's about $21 per hour. The profession employs 587,650 educators across the country, with pay ranging from $29,450 at the 10th percentile to $75,200 at the 90th.
How much Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers earn
The median salary for preschool and kindergarten teachers is $43,780. The mean annual wage is $47,910, or roughly $21 per hour. Half of all workers earn between $29,450 (10th percentile) and $75,200 (90th percentile). Pay depends on experience, education, and location.
Entry-level teachers in Head Start or small private centers often start near the lower end. Veteran teachers with master's degrees in public school settings can reach the top of the range.
Pay by state
Because state-level data for this occupation is not available from the BLS at publication, no specific highest- or lowest-paying states can be cited. In general, teachers in states with strong union protections and higher cost-of-living, like New York and California, tend to earn above the national median. Rural areas and states with lower education funding typically pay below the median.
How to become Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher
Requirements vary by state and setting. Most preschool teachers need at least an associate degree in early childhood education, while public school kindergarten teachers require a bachelor's degree and state teaching certification.
The typical path: earn a bachelor's in early childhood education or child development, complete a student-teaching internship, pass state exams, and apply for a license. Some states offer alternative certification for career-changers. Head Start programs require at least an associate degree. Private preschools may accept a high school diploma plus relevant experience.
- Get a bachelor's degree in early childhood education (4 years).
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program with student teaching.
- Pass required exams (e.g., Praxis).
- Apply for state teaching license or certification.
- Consider a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for preschool roles.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for this occupation from 2024 to 2034. However, demand for early childhood educators is generally driven by population growth and increasing recognition of the importance of early education. Employment may vary by region and funding for public preschool programs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly pay for preschool and kindergarten teachers?
The mean hourly wage is about $21, based on a median annual salary of $43,780. Actual pay ranges from below $14 to over $36 per hour.
Do I need a degree to be a preschool teacher?
Many preschools require at least an associate degree in early childhood education. Public school kindergarten teachers need a bachelor's degree and state certification. Some private centers hire with a high school diploma and experience.
Which states pay preschool and kindergarten teachers the most?
While specific state rankings are not available from the BLS for this occupation, states with higher cost-of-living and stronger teacher unions, such as New York and California, typically pay above the national median.
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 Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers data.