How much does a Preschool Teacher make?
Preschool teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds and helping them prepare for future learning. These professionals earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for preschool teachers is about $37,957. This number can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.
Preschool teachers can expect to earn between $24,000 and $65,000 per year. The bottom 10% earn less than $27,727, while the top 10% earn more than $57,545. Most preschool teachers fall in the middle, earning between $31,455 and $53,818. Factors like state regulations, urban or rural locations, and experience levels can influence these numbers.
What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $139,425
Des Moines offers a vibrant community with numerous preschools in need of dedicated educators. Working here provides a chance to shape young minds in a supportive environment. Local schools value creativity and teamwork, making it a great place to grow professionally.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $59,489
In San Francisco, preschool educators find themselves in a dynamic and culturally rich environment. Many local preschools focus on innovative teaching methods. Working with children here allows for a lot of creativity and professional development.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $52,489
San Jose’s preschools offer a unique opportunity to work in a tech-forward city. Schools here prioritize both education and technology, offering a modern teaching approach. The supportive community makes it a great place for professional growth.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $52,249
Washington, DC presents an enriching environment for early childhood educators. Working in preschools here means being part of a community that values education and civic involvement. The city's diverse population offers a rich learning experience for both teachers and students.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $51,800
Salinas provides a close-knit community with a strong focus on family values. Preschools here emphasize a warm, welcoming environment. Educators benefit from a supportive community and a chance to make a real impact on young learners.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $50,458
Boston offers a historic and educational environment for those teaching young children. The city’s numerous preschools value intellectual curiosity and creativity. Working here allows for a blend of tradition and modern teaching methods.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $50,253
Seattle’s preschools are known for their innovative and hands-on approach to education. The city’s focus on environmental stewardship and community engagement provides a unique backdrop for teaching. Working here means being part of a forward-thinking educational system.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $49,861
Santa Rosa offers a charming and family-friendly environment for educators. Local preschools emphasize a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. Working here means being part of a close community that values each child’s development.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $48,469
Boulder provides a vibrant and outdoor-focused environment for early childhood educators. Preschools here emphasize both academic and physical development. The city’s emphasis on wellness and nature makes it a great place for teaching.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $47,132
Anchorage offers a unique opportunity to work in a city with stunning natural beauty. Preschools here often incorporate outdoor learning into their curriculum. Educators benefit from a tight-knit community and a chance to explore the great outdoors with their students.
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What are the best companies a Preschool Teacher can work for?

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Kamehameha Schools
Average Salary: $75,662
Kamehameha Schools values early childhood education. They offer competitive pay for Preschool Teachers. Their campuses are located across Hawaii, offering diverse environments.
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Perth and Kinross Council
Average Salary: $75,552
Perth and Kinross Council provides quality education in Scotland. They offer generous salaries for Preschool Teachers. Their schools are in rural and urban areas, providing varied experiences.
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Mission Neighborhood Centers
Average Salary: $70,441
Mission Neighborhood Centers focus on community education. They offer good salaries for Preschool Teachers. Their centers are located throughout California, enriching young minds.
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Springfield Public Schools, MA
Average Salary: $66,207
Springfield Public Schools, MA, provide a nurturing environment. They offer solid salaries for Preschool Teachers. Their schools are in Springfield, ensuring a strong educational foundation.
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YMCA of the East Bay
Average Salary: $65,902
YMCA of the East Bay values early development. They offer competitive pay for Preschool Teachers. Their locations span the East Bay, offering diverse opportunities.
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Hawaii State Department of Education
Average Salary: $65,461
Hawaii State Department of Education supports quality early education. They offer good salaries for Preschool Teachers. Their schools are across Hawaii, providing vibrant learning environments.
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Bellevue School District
Average Salary: $64,371
Bellevue School District focuses on student success. They offer fair salaries for Preschool Teachers. Their schools are in Bellevue, Washington, offering enriching experiences.
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North Bay Children's Center
Average Salary: $59,814
North Bay Children's Center provides personalized care. They offer reasonable salaries for Preschool Teachers. Their center is in California, focusing on individual growth.
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Beacon ABA Services
Average Salary: $58,723
Beacon ABA Services focuses on applied behavior analysis. They offer solid salaries for Preschool Teachers. Their services are across California, helping young learners thrive.
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Sterling Montessori Charter School
Average Salary: $58,481
Sterling Montessori Charter School values Montessori education. They offer competitive pay for Preschool Teachers. Their schools are in California, offering a unique educational approach.
How to earn more as a Preschool Teacher?
Aspiring Preschool Teachers interested in increasing their earnings can explore various avenues. Higher pay often comes from gaining more experience and qualifications. Attending workshops and earning advanced certifications can make a teacher more valuable. Engaging in continuous professional development demonstrates a commitment to the field and can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Another way to earn more is by seeking positions in areas with a higher cost of living. Urban centers and affluent suburbs often offer better pay due to increased demand for quality early education. Moving to these areas can provide more job options and competitive salaries. Networking with other educators and staying informed about job markets in different regions can also uncover higher-paying positions.
Teachers can also increase their earnings by taking on additional responsibilities. This might include becoming a lead teacher, curriculum developer, or even an administrative assistant. These roles often come with higher pay. Volunteering for extra duties shows leadership and dedication, making teachers more attractive to employers looking for those willing to take on more.
Consider the following factors to earn more as a Preschool Teacher:
- Attend workshops and get advanced certifications.
- Seek positions in higher-cost-of-living areas.
- Take on additional responsibilities.
- Network with other educators.
- Stay informed about job markets in different regions.



