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Salary

How much does a Preschool Teacher make?

The average salary for a Preschool Teacher is $38,663 per year in the US.

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
The highest earners make around $71,948 or more each year.

View Preschool Teacher jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

Job seekers looking to teach preschool can find higher salaries in certain cities. Des Moines, IA, leads with the highest average salary of $152,863. Other top-paying cities include Salinas, CA, and Santa Maria, CA, with average salaries over $50,000. These cities offer competitive wages for those in the preschool teaching profession.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting Des Moines, IA with the highest at $152,863 and Providence, RI with the lowest at $47,981.
  1. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Washington, DC


  4. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boston, MA


  9. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Providence, RI

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

Job seekers looking for Preschool Teacher positions will find competitive salaries at Kamehameha Schools, where the average salary is $111,671. Advocates also offers a strong salary of $76,500. Springfield Public Schools (Massachusetts) pays an average of $70,892, providing another great option for those in the field. Bezos Academy and MISSION NEIGHBORHOOD CNTRS INC offer average salaries above $70,000. Jefferson County Public Schools provides an average of $73,945, while Amergis Healthcare Staffing pays around $70,689. These companies show a commitment to fair compensation for their educators.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting Kamehameha Schools with the highest at $111,671 and United Staffing Solutions (USS) with the lowest at $67,873.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

  1. Gain Experience: Staying in the field longer usually leads to higher pay.
  2. Continuing Education: Specializing in early childhood development can increase earnings.
  3. High-Demand Areas: Working in urban areas or regions with fewer teachers often means higher wages.
  4. Additional Certifications: Becoming a special education specialist can lead to higher pay.
  5. Networking: Joining professional organizations can provide better job opportunities.

Currently 5,213 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
5,213 Job Openings