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How much does a Preschool Teacher make?

The average salary for a Preschool Teacher is $37,117 per year in the US.

Preschool teachers play a vital role in early childhood education. They help young children learn and grow. Preschool teachers earn a good salary for their important work. On average, a preschool teacher makes about $37,117 a year. This number can change based on experience, location, and other factors.

Salaries for preschool teachers can vary widely. The lowest-paid preschool teachers earn around $24,000 a year. The top-paid preschool teachers can make up to $62,000. This range shows there is a lot of opportunity to earn more with more experience. Different areas of the country also offer different salaries. Teachers in big cities often earn more than those in smaller towns.

Here is a look at how salaries break down:

  • 10% of preschool teachers earn $24,000 or less.
  • 25% earn between $24,000 and $30,909.
  • 50% earn between $30,909 and $37,818.
  • 75% earn between $37,818 and $44,727.
  • 90% earn between $44,727 and $51,636.
  • 10% earn $51,636 or more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

Job seekers looking for preschool teaching positions can find higher pay in certain cities. San Francisco, CA, stands out with an average salary of $58,758. Nearby, San Jose, CA, offers a competitive average salary of $51,708. Washington, DC, also provides a good salary for preschool teachers, averaging $50,994. Other cities with notable salaries include Salinas, CA; Seattle, WA; and Boston, MA, all offering average salaries above $48,000. These cities present attractive opportunities for those in the field, making them ideal places to seek employment.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $58,758 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $45,493.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $58,758
    In San Francisco, educators create vibrant learning environments. Many top schools seek dedicated professionals. Working here means shaping young minds in a dynamic city.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $51,708
    San Jose offers a nurturing community for those in education. Teachers here enjoy a supportive environment. Many local centers value creativity and innovation.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $50,994
    In the nation's capital, educators inspire future leaders. Many schools focus on a well-rounded approach. This city's schools value diversity and learning.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $50,543
    Salinas provides a close-knit community for educators. Teachers here foster strong relationships with students. Many local schools emphasize hands-on learning.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $49,664
    Seattle's educators enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere. Many schools promote innovation and critical thinking. Working here means being part of a progressive education system.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $49,239
    In Boston, teachers engage with a rich history of education. Many prominent institutions seek skilled professionals. Working here offers a unique blend of tradition and modern teaching methods.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $48,214
    Santa Rosa offers a friendly community for educators. Many local schools value creativity and outdoor learning. Teachers here enjoy a supportive work environment.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $47,561
    In Boulder, teachers benefit from a focus on outdoor learning. Many schools value sustainability and community involvement. Working here means being part of a progressive education system.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $46,371
    Providence offers a historic setting for educators. Many schools emphasize community and hands-on learning. Working here means being part of a rich educational tradition.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,493
    In Los Angeles, educators work in a diverse and dynamic environment. Many top schools seek dedicated professionals. Working here offers a chance to inspire a wide range of students.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Job seekers aiming for the role of a Preschool Teacher can find rewarding opportunities with top-paying employers. Anchorage School District offers the highest average salary at $78,489. Following closely is Wu Yee Children's Services with an average salary of $76,766. Both positions provide competitive pay and valuable experience in early childhood education.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting Anchorage School District with the highest at $78,489 and Bellevue School District with the lowest at $64,814.
  1. Anchorage School District
    Average Salary: $78,489
    The Anchorage School District offers competitive pay for preschool teachers. They operate many schools across Anchorage, Alaska. They focus on creating a nurturing environment for young learners.


  2. Wu Yee Children's Services
    Average Salary: $76,766
    Wu Yee Children's Services provides preschool teacher jobs with a good salary. They are located in San Francisco, California, and work to support children and families in the community.


  3. Elwyn
    Average Salary: $76,763
    Elwyn has preschool teacher positions with a solid salary. They serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania. They offer a supportive environment for both staff and students.


  4. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $76,434
    Prince William County Public Schools offers preschool teacher jobs with a competitive salary. The district operates many schools in Northern Virginia. They provide a variety of programs to meet student needs.


  5. Kamehameha Schools
    Average Salary: $72,368
    Kamehameha Schools pay preschool teachers well. They operate schools in Hawaii, with a focus on Native Hawaiian culture. They offer a unique educational experience for young children.


  6. Mission Neighborhood Centers
    Average Salary: $70,328
    Mission Neighborhood Centers offer preschool teacher jobs with a good salary. They serve families in the Mission District in San Francisco. They focus on community and family engagement.


  7. Savannah Chatham County Public School System
    Average Salary: $68,309
    Savannah Chatham County Public School System offers preschool teacher positions with a decent salary. They operate many schools in Savannah, Georgia. They emphasize quality education for all students.


  8. Manhattan Strategy Group
    Average Salary: $67,585
    Manhattan Strategy Group has preschool teacher jobs with a fair salary. They are located in New York City. They provide a range of early childhood education services.


  9. Kingsley Montessori School
    Average Salary: $67,307
    Kingsley Montessori School offers preschool teacher positions with a solid salary. They operate in Seattle, Washington, and follow the Montessori method of education. They create an engaging learning environment.


  10. Bellevue School District
    Average Salary: $64,814
    Bellevue School District provides preschool teacher jobs with a reasonable salary. They serve students in Bellevue, Washington. They focus on student success and family involvement.

How to earn more as a Preschool Teacher?

Preschool teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds. To earn more, teachers should explore various opportunities for growth and development. Higher education and specialized skills can lead to higher pay. Engaging in continuous professional development can also open up paths to better-paying positions.

Consider these factors to increase earnings as a preschool teacher:

  1. Obtain higher education: Teachers with a bachelor’s degree or higher often earn more. Consider pursuing advanced degrees like a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
  2. Specialize in areas of interest: Skills in areas such as special education, bilingual education, or Montessori teaching can command higher wages.
  3. Gain additional certifications: Certifications in first aid, CPR, or teaching specific programs can increase earning potential.
  4. Seek leadership roles: Taking on roles like lead teacher or program director can lead to higher salaries. These roles often involve additional responsibilities and training.
  5. Explore diverse work environments: Teaching in private schools or higher-income areas often pays more than public schools.

Currently 4,117 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
4,117 Job Openings