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How much does a Preschool Teacher make?

The average salary for a Preschool Teacher is $36,611 per year in the US.

Preschool teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds. They earn a respectable salary, reflecting the value of their work. The average yearly salary for preschool teachers is around $36,611. This salary can vary based on experience and location.


The salary range for preschool teachers can be quite broad. At the lower end, some teachers earn around $24,000 per year. As teachers gain more experience, they can see their salaries rise. The top earners in this field make up to $60,410 annually. This range shows that with dedication and experience, preschool teachers can achieve a rewarding income.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

Job seekers looking to become preschool teachers can find some of the highest salaries in California. San Francisco offers the top average salary at $57,759. Other cities in California with high salaries include Salinas, San Jose, and Santa Rosa. Outside of California, Washington, DC, and Seattle, WA, also offer competitive pay for preschool teachers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $57,759 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $44,655.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $57,759
    In San Francisco, educators create engaging environments for young learners. Many schools focus on innovative teaching methods. The city offers diverse opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $51,836
    Salinas provides a welcoming community for those who love teaching. Schools here emphasize hands-on learning. The agricultural setting offers unique educational experiences.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Salinas, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $51,695
    San Jose is a hub for tech and education. Teachers here benefit from a blend of traditional and modern teaching practices. The city's vibrant culture enriches the learning experience.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $49,062
    In Washington, DC, educators have access to numerous resources and professional development opportunities. The city's rich history provides a unique backdrop for learning. Many schools focus on civic education.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $48,789
    Seattle offers a dynamic environment for teaching. The city's progressive education system values creativity and innovation. Teachers here enjoy a supportive community and diverse student population.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $47,729
    Boston provides a rich educational landscape. Teachers benefit from the city's prestigious institutions. The historic setting offers unique learning experiences.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $47,532
    Boulder is known for its outdoor lifestyle and strong educational values. Teachers here enjoy a healthy work-life balance. The community supports outdoor learning and active engagement.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $47,491
    Santa Rosa offers a charming setting for educators. Schools here focus on personalized learning. The city's agricultural roots provide unique educational opportunities.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $45,850
    Providence offers a vibrant community for teachers. The city's diverse population enriches the learning experience. Many schools focus on community involvement and service learning.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $44,655
    Los Angeles provides a diverse and dynamic environment for educators. The city's cultural richness offers unique learning experiences. Teachers here enjoy a variety of professional development opportunities.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Job seekers looking for preschool teacher positions can find some of the best pay with Anchorage School District, offering an average salary of $77,799. Wu Yee Children's Services and Prince William County Public Schools also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $77,205 and $76,803, respectively. These companies recognize the value of early childhood education and reward their teachers accordingly.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting Anchorage School District with the highest at $77,799 and Kingsley Montessori School with the lowest at $64,588.
  1. Anchorage School District
    Average Salary: $77,799
    Anchorage School District offers rewarding Preschool Teacher jobs. They operate in Anchorage, Alaska, providing a nurturing environment for young learners. Teachers here enjoy a supportive community and professional growth opportunities.


  2. Wu Yee Children's Services
    Average Salary: $77,205
    Wu Yee Children's Services provides Preschool Teacher positions with a competitive salary. They serve children in San Francisco, California, focusing on early childhood education. Teachers here benefit from a creative and inclusive teaching environment.


  3. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $76,803
    Prince William County Public Schools offers Preschool Teacher jobs with a strong salary. They operate in Virginia, providing a diverse educational experience. Teachers here work in a supportive district with many resources.


  4. Elwyn
    Average Salary: $76,345
    Elwyn provides Preschool Teacher positions with a good salary. They serve children in Pennsylvania and Delaware, focusing on special education. Teachers here enjoy a supportive community and professional development opportunities.


  5. Anoka-Hennepin School District
    Average Salary: $76,237
    Anoka-Hennepin School District offers Preschool Teacher jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in Minnesota, providing a diverse educational environment. Teachers here benefit from a supportive community and professional growth opportunities.


  6. Kamehameha Schools
    Average Salary: $71,540
    Kamehameha Schools offers Preschool Teacher positions with a solid salary. They serve children in Hawaii, focusing on Hawaiian culture and education. Teachers here enjoy a unique and supportive teaching environment.


  7. Mission Neighborhood Centers
    Average Salary: $70,581
    Mission Neighborhood Centers provides Preschool Teacher jobs with a good salary. They operate in San Francisco, California, focusing on early childhood education. Teachers here benefit from a creative and inclusive teaching environment.


  8. San Juan Unified School District
    Average Salary: $68,142
    San Juan Unified School District offers Preschool Teacher positions with a decent salary. They operate in California, providing a diverse educational experience. Teachers here work in a supportive district with many resources.


  9. Manhattan Strategy Group
    Average Salary: $67,585
    Manhattan Strategy Group provides Preschool Teacher jobs with a solid salary. They operate in New York, focusing on early childhood education. Teachers here benefit from a dynamic and supportive teaching environment.


  10. Kingsley Montessori School
    Average Salary: $64,588
    Kingsley Montessori School offers Preschool Teacher positions with a good salary. They serve children in California, focusing on Montessori education. Teachers here enjoy a supportive and innovative teaching environment.

How to earn more as a Preschool Teacher?

Becoming a preschool teacher can be a rewarding career. It offers the chance to shape young minds. However, like many jobs, earning potential can vary. There are ways to increase your salary. Understanding these factors can help you earn more in this field.

First, gaining more education can lead to higher pay. Many preschool teachers start with a bachelor's degree. Some choose to pursue a master's degree in early childhood education. This advanced degree can open doors to higher-paying positions. Schools often value teachers with more education. They may offer higher salaries to attract these candidates. Second, gaining specialized certifications can also boost earnings. Certifications in areas like special education or bilingual education can make a teacher more valuable. These skills can lead to higher-paying jobs or bonuses.

Next, gaining experience is key. Preschool teachers with more years in the field often earn more. Experience allows teachers to develop strong classroom management skills. It also helps them understand child development better. Schools may offer higher salaries to experienced teachers. They trust these teachers to handle more responsibilities.

Another factor is the location. Salaries can vary greatly depending on where you work. Urban areas often offer higher pay. This is because the cost of living is usually higher in these places. Rural areas may offer lower salaries. However, they might offer a lower cost of living. Consider where you want to work and how it affects your earnings.

Finally, consider working in a private school. Private schools often pay more than public schools. They may have more resources to offer higher salaries. Working in a private school can be a good way to earn more as a preschool teacher.

By focusing on these factors, preschool teachers can increase their earnings. More education, specialized certifications, experience, location, and type of school all play a role. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your career.

Currently 6,211 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
6,211 Job Openings