How much does a Preschool Teacher make?
Preschool teachers help children get ready for kindergarten. They teach basic skills and prepare them for future learning. The average yearly salary for a preschool teacher is around $38,663. This number can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.
Most preschool teachers earn between $24,000 and $41,435 a year. Here is a breakdown of the income distribution:
- 6.75% earn $24,000 or less
- 16.81% earn $24,000 to $28,359
- 24.00% earn $28,359 to $32,718
- 18.31% earn $32,718 to $37,077
- 12.48% earn $37,077 to $41,435
- 7.61% earn $41,435 to $45,794
- 3.62% earn $45,794 to $50,153
- 2.66% earn $50,153 to $54,512
- 1.37% earn $54,512 to $58,871
- 0.79% earn $58,871 to $63,230
- 0.61% earn $63,230 to $67,589
What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $152,863
In Des Moines, educators shape young minds with engaging activities. Many local schools and daycares are hiring. Companies like Kid City and Learning Tree offer numerous opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $59,884
San Francisco offers a vibrant environment for teaching. Preschools here value creativity and innovation. Look for openings at Bright Horizons and KinderCare.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $53,545
In Washington, DC, educators enjoy a lively community. Many preschools focus on early development. Consider positions at Primrose Schools and Little Sprouts.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $52,756
Salinas provides a supportive setting for teaching young children. Preschools here emphasize hands-on learning. Companies like Goddard School and Sunshine House are hiring.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $52,526
San Jose's preschools are known for their strong educational programs. Teachers here foster a love for learning. Look for jobs at ABC Childcare and KinderCare.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $52,083
In Santa Maria, educators work in a warm community. Many preschools focus on child development. Consider positions at Bright Horizons and The Goddard School.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $51,466
Seattle offers a dynamic teaching environment. Preschools here encourage curiosity. Companies like KinderCare and The Little Gym are hiring.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $51,126
Boston provides a rich environment for teaching. Many preschools value creativity. Look for openings at Bright Horizons and Little Sprouts.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $51,124
Santa Rosa's preschools emphasize a nurturing atmosphere. Teachers here focus on early learning. Consider positions at ABC Childcare and KinderCare.
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Providence, RI
Average Salary: $47,981
Providence offers a welcoming environment for educators. Many preschools focus on child development. Look for jobs at Primrose Schools and Little Sprouts.
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What are the best companies a Preschool Teacher can work for?

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Kamehameha Schools
Average Salary: $111,671
Kamehameha Schools offers competitive pay for Preschool Teachers. They focus on providing quality education with a strong cultural background. Locations include Hawaii, California, and Washington.
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StockPot, Inc.
Average Salary: $101,307
StockPot, Inc. offers a robust salary for Preschool Teachers. They place a high value on early childhood development. This company operates in several states across the U.S.
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Advocates
Average Salary: $76,500
Advocates provides a good salary for Preschool Teachers. They focus on supporting children with special needs. They have locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York.
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Jefferson County Public Schools
Average Salary: $73,945
Jefferson County Public Schools offers competitive pay for Preschool Teachers. They emphasize creating a nurturing environment. This company operates in Jefferson County, Alabama.
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MISSION NEIGHBORHOOD CNTRS INC
Average Salary: $72,034
MISSION NEIGHBORHOOD CNTRS INC pays well for Preschool Teachers. They focus on community-based education. Locations include several areas in California.
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Bezos Academy
Average Salary: $71,458
Bezos Academy offers good compensation for Preschool Teachers. They provide a comprehensive early childhood education program. They are located in New York.
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Springfield Public Schools (Massachusetts)
Average Salary: $70,892
Springfield Public Schools provides a solid salary for Preschool Teachers. They focus on inclusive education. Locations include Springfield, Massachusetts.
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Amergis Healthcare Staffing
Average Salary: $70,689
Amergis Healthcare Staffing offers a good salary for Preschool Teachers. They focus on placing qualified teachers in various locations. Locations include several states across the U.S.
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League School for Autism
Average Salary: $69,456
League School for Autism offers competitive pay for Preschool Teachers. They focus on providing specialized education for children with autism. Locations include several areas in California.
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United Staffing Solutions (USS)
Average Salary: $67,873
United Staffing Solutions offers a fair salary for Preschool Teachers. They focus on staffing needs in various educational settings. Locations include several states across the U.S.
How to earn more as a Preschool Teacher?
Becoming a preschool teacher can be a fulfilling career choice. To earn more in this profession, consider these key factors. Gaining experience is important. Teachers who stay in the field longer usually earn more. Continuing education helps as well. Specializing in areas like early childhood development can lead to higher pay. Working in a high-demand area often increases earnings. Urban areas or regions with fewer teachers may offer higher wages. Securing a position in a private or charter school can also lead to better pay. These schools sometimes offer more competitive salaries.
Another factor to consider is gaining additional certifications. Advanced certifications can lead to higher pay. For example, becoming a special education specialist often means earning more. Networking with other educators can open up higher-paying opportunities. Joining professional organizations can help. They often have job boards and other resources to find better-paying jobs. Lastly, negotiating salary and benefits is important. Knowing the average salary for preschool teachers in your area helps. Be prepared to discuss your value during job interviews.
In summary, increasing your earnings as a preschool teacher involves several strategies. Gaining experience, continuing education, and working in high-demand areas can lead to higher wages. Additional certifications, networking, and negotiation skills also play a crucial role. By focusing on these factors, preschool teachers can work towards earning more.
- Gain Experience: Staying in the field longer usually leads to higher pay.
- Continuing Education: Specializing in early childhood development can increase earnings.
- High-Demand Areas: Working in urban areas or regions with fewer teachers often means higher wages.
- Additional Certifications: Becoming a special education specialist can lead to higher pay.
- Networking: Joining professional organizations can provide better job opportunities.



