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How much does a Preschool Teacher make?

The average salary for a Preschool Teacher is $37,009 per year in the US.

Preschool teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds. They earn a respectable salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for a preschool teacher is around $37,000. This figure can vary based on several factors.

Several factors can influence a preschool teacher's salary. These include location, experience, and the type of institution. For example, teachers in urban areas may earn more than those in rural areas. Those with more experience often earn higher salaries. Private preschools may offer higher pay compared to public ones. Understanding these factors can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

Job seekers looking for preschool teaching positions can find some of the highest salaries in San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $58,681. San Jose, CA, and Salinas, CA, also offer competitive pay, with average salaries around $51,778 and $51,066, respectively. Other top cities include Washington, DC, and Seattle, WA, where preschool teachers can expect to earn around $50,584 and $49,426, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $58,681 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $45,197.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $58,681
    In San Francisco, educators create vibrant learning environments. The city offers diverse opportunities with institutions like the Children's Creative Center. Working here means engaging with a community that values early childhood education.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $51,778
    San Jose provides a nurturing setting for young learners. Teachers here benefit from a supportive community. Schools like KinderCare Learning Centers offer excellent growth opportunities.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $51,066
    Salinas offers a welcoming environment for educators. Teachers here focus on creating a strong foundation for young minds. Local schools provide a close-knit community feel.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $50,584
    In Washington, DC, educators play a key role in shaping future leaders. The city's diverse culture enriches the learning experience. Institutions like the Early Childhood Learning Centers offer dynamic teaching environments.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $49,426
    Seattle provides a vibrant setting for early childhood educators. Teachers here enjoy a supportive community. Schools like Seattle Children's Therapy Center offer excellent resources for young learners.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $48,886
    Boston offers a rich environment for educators. Teachers here benefit from a strong educational network. Schools like the Boston Children's Museum provide unique learning opportunities.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $47,915
    Santa Rosa provides a nurturing environment for young learners. Teachers here focus on creating engaging and supportive classrooms. Local schools offer a community-focused approach to education.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $47,480
    In Boulder, educators create dynamic learning spaces. The city's focus on outdoor education enriches the teaching experience. Schools like the Boulder Valley School District offer innovative programs.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $45,868
    Providence offers a supportive environment for early childhood educators. Teachers here benefit from a strong community focus. Local schools provide a nurturing setting for young learners.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,197
    Los Angeles provides a diverse and dynamic environment for educators. Teachers here work with a wide range of students. Schools like the Los Angeles Unified School District offer extensive resources and support.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Los Angeles, CA

What are the best companies a Preschool Teacher can work for?

Anchorage School District offers one of the highest salaries for preschool teachers, with an average of $78,489. Wu Yee Children's Services and Elwyn also provide competitive pay, with averages around $77,000. Prince William County Public Schools and Kamehameha Schools follow closely, with salaries above $76,000.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting Anchorage School District with the highest at $78,489 and Kingsley Montessori School with the lowest at $67,307.
  1. Anchorage School District
    Average Salary: $78,489
    Anchorage School District offers a rewarding environment for Preschool Teachers. They operate in Anchorage, Alaska, providing a nurturing setting for young learners. The district emphasizes a supportive community and professional growth.


  2. Wu Yee Children's Services
    Average Salary: $77,019
    Wu Yee Children's Services provides Preschool Teacher positions in San Francisco, California. They focus on early childhood education and offer a collaborative environment. Teachers here benefit from a strong community and diverse student population.


  3. Elwyn
    Average Salary: $76,763
    Elwyn operates in Pennsylvania and offers Preschool Teacher jobs with a focus on special education. They provide a supportive and inclusive environment. Teachers here work with a dedicated team to support students with unique needs.


  4. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $76,434
    Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia offers Preschool Teacher positions with a strong emphasis on community involvement. They provide a nurturing environment and support professional development. The schools are located in Northern Virginia.


  5. Kamehameha Schools
    Average Salary: $72,877
    Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii offers Preschool Teacher jobs with a focus on cultural education. They provide a unique environment that combines traditional Hawaiian values with modern teaching practices. The schools are located on the islands of O'ahu and Maui.


  6. Mission Neighborhood Centers
    Average Salary: $71,099
    Mission Neighborhood Centers in San Francisco, California, offers Preschool Teacher positions with a focus on community engagement. They provide a supportive environment and emphasize the importance of family involvement. The centers are located in the Mission District.


  7. San Juan Unified School District
    Average Salary: $70,520
    San Juan Unified School District in California offers Preschool Teacher jobs with a focus on student success. They provide a nurturing environment and support professional growth. The district operates in San Juan Bautista, California.


  8. Savannah Chatham County Public School System
    Average Salary: $68,309
    Savannah Chatham County Public School System in Georgia offers Preschool Teacher positions with a focus on academic excellence. They provide a supportive environment and emphasize the importance of early childhood education. The schools are located in Savannah and Chatham County.


  9. Manhattan Strategy Group
    Average Salary: $67,585
    Manhattan Strategy Group offers Preschool Teacher jobs in New York City. They provide a dynamic environment with a focus on innovative teaching practices. Teachers here work in a fast-paced setting with a diverse student population.


  10. Kingsley Montessori School
    Average Salary: $67,307
    Kingsley Montessori School in Los Angeles, California, offers Preschool Teacher positions with a focus on Montessori education. They provide a nurturing environment and support professional development. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized instruction.

How to earn more as a Preschool Teacher?

Becoming a preschool teacher can open many doors, but earning more requires dedication and strategy. One way to increase earnings is through gaining additional certifications. These can include specialized training in areas like early childhood education, special needs, or bilingual education. Such certifications can make a teacher more valuable to employers, often leading to higher pay.

Another factor is gaining experience. Preschool teachers who stay in the field and build a strong resume often see their pay increase. Experience allows teachers to take on more responsibilities, such as leading a classroom or coordinating with parents. This can lead to promotions and higher salaries. Location also plays a role. Teachers in areas with a higher cost of living or greater demand for educators may earn more. Additionally, teachers who work in private schools or specialized programs often receive higher pay than those in public schools.

Teachers can also increase their earnings by pursuing advanced degrees. A master's degree in early childhood education or a related field can lead to higher-paying positions. Some schools offer pay incentives for teachers who continue their education. Finally, taking on extra duties, such as after-school programs or summer camps, can provide additional income. These opportunities allow teachers to use their skills in different settings and earn more.

Currently 4,590 Preschool Teacher job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Preschool Teacher in the US?

Learn what a Preschool Teacher does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Preschool Teacher today.
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Preschool Teacher
4,590 Job Openings