Preschool Teachers (Except Special Education) Salary Guide 2025: $38,140 Median
The median annual salary for preschool teachers (except special education) is $38,140, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average pay is $43,030, or about $18 per hour. Most earn between $28,990 (10th percentile) and $61,390 (90th percentile). More than 478,000 people work in this occupation nationwide.
How much Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education earn
The typical preschool teacher earns $38,140 per year, but actual salaries vary widely. The lowest-paid 10% make $28,990 or less, while the top 10% earn $61,390 or more. Pay depends largely on location, experience, and the type of employer.
Wages in this field tend to be lower than in K-12 teaching because many positions are in private childcare centers, Head Start programs, or religious institutions that operate on tight budgets. Public school preschool teachers often earn more, especially with a bachelor's degree.
- Median: $38,140 | Mean: $43,030 | Hourly mean: $18.05
Pay by state
Where you teach dramatically affects your salary. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia, where preschool teachers average $62,150 per year. Vermont ($49,730), Hawaii ($48,780), New Jersey ($48,220), and Kansas ($47,750) also pay above the national average.
At the low end, preschool teachers in Wyoming earn a mean of $29,930, Kentucky $29,780, and Alabama $28,310. Many of these states have lower costs of living, but the wage gap is still substantial.
How to become Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Requirements vary by employer and state. Most center-based preschool teachers need at least an associate's degree in early childhood education (ECE) or a related field. Many states require a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or similar certification.
Public school preschool positions typically require a bachelor's degree in ECE and state teacher licensure. Private centers may accept a high school diploma plus relevant experience, but pay is lower.
- Education: Associate's or bachelor's in early childhood education (public schools usually require bachelor's)
- Certification: Child Development Associate (CDA) is common; state-specific licenses for public schools
- Experience: Often 1-2 years in a childcare setting, sometimes via internships or practicums
Job outlook
Employment for preschool teachers (except special education) is projected to grow 4.1% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 65,500 job openings each year, largely due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Continued demand for early childhood education, especially in states expanding pre-K programs, should sustain job growth. However, low wages and high stress contribute to turnover, keeping the market fluid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for preschool teachers in 2025?
The BLS reports a 2023 median annual wage of $38,140 (mean $43,030). The 10th percentile earns $28,990, and the 90th percentile earns $61,390.
How do I become a preschool teacher?
Most positions require an associate's degree in early childhood education and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Public school jobs typically need a bachelor's degree and state license.
What is the job growth for preschool teachers?
Employment is projected to grow 4.1% from 2024-2034, faster than average, with about 65,500 openings per year.
Which states pay preschool teachers the most?
The highest-paying states are DC ($62,150), Vermont ($49,730), Hawaii ($48,780), New Jersey ($48,220), and Kansas ($47,750). The lowest is Alabama ($28,310).
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 Teachers, Except Special Education data.