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Salary

How much does a Preschool Teacher make?

The average salary for a Preschool Teacher is $37,542 per year in the US.

Preschool teachers work hard to provide a nurturing environment for young learners. They earn a respectable salary for their efforts. On average, preschool teachers make about $37,542 each year. This can change based on where they work and how many years they have taught.


Most preschool teachers fall into the middle of the salary range. Around 30% earn between $31,273 and $38,545. Another 30% make between $38,545 and $45,818. The highest-paid teachers earn over $56,727 a year. These teachers often have more experience or work in areas with higher living costs. No matter where they fall in the range, preschool teachers play a vital role in early childhood education.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

Job seekers can find higher pay for Preschool Teacher roles in several cities. San Francisco, California, leads with an average salary of nearly $60,000. Following closely, San Jose and Salinas, also in California, offer competitive wages around $52,000. Other top-paying cities include Washington, DC, Boston, MA, and Seattle, WA. These cities provide average salaries above $49,000. Exploring job opportunities in these locations could lead to better financial rewards.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $59,446 and Providence, RI with the lowest at $46,226.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $59,446
    In San Francisco, educators create lively classrooms that foster creativity. The city's strong emphasis on early childhood education offers numerous opportunities in reputable institutions.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $52,069
    San Jose is home to some of the nation’s top tech firms, which means educators can integrate technology into learning. Schools here provide a supportive environment for teaching young children.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $51,800
    Salinas offers a close-knit community where teachers work in nurturing, family-oriented schools. The local culture values education and supports professional growth.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $51,756
    In Washington, DC, educators benefit from the city's rich cultural environment. Schools emphasize diversity and global awareness, providing a unique setting for teaching.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $50,269
    Boston's historic schools offer a blend of tradition and innovation. Teachers here work in a city that values education and offers numerous professional development opportunities.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $49,754
    Seattle's schools value creativity and outdoor learning. Teachers enjoy a vibrant community that supports hands-on and experiential education.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $49,060
    Santa Rosa provides a welcoming environment where educators can make a real impact. Schools focus on creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for children.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $47,620
    Boulder’s schools benefit from the city’s emphasis on outdoor activities and nature. Teachers here encourage children to explore and learn in a beautiful natural setting.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $46,390
    Anchorage offers a unique educational experience with long summer days and short winter days. Teachers enjoy a close-knit community and plenty of outdoor activities.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Anchorage, AK


  10. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $46,226
    Providence provides a strong sense of community. Educators work in schools that emphasize student engagement and have a history of excellence in education.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Providence, RI

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

Top-paying companies for preschool teachers include Anchorage School District, offering an average salary of $78,489. Elwyn follows closely, providing $76,348 on average. Kamehameha Schools also stands out, with an average salary of $74,691 for preschool teachers. These companies value their educators and offer competitive compensation packages. Among these employers, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Prince William County Public Schools, and YMCA of the East Bay also provide strong salaries, ensuring preschool teachers receive fair pay for their important work. Bellevue School District, Kingsley Montessori School, EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS, and Springfield Public Schools, MA offer solid salaries as well, making them attractive options for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting Anchorage School District with the highest at $78,489 and Springfield Public Schools, MA with the lowest at $62,663.
  1. Anchorage School District
    Average Salary: $78,489
    Anchorage School District provides rewarding Preschool Teacher jobs. They offer competitive salaries and a nurturing environment for both teachers and students. They operate in Anchorage, Alaska.


  2. Elwyn
    Average Salary: $76,348
    Elwyn offers exciting Preschool Teacher roles. They focus on providing quality early education. Teachers work in locations like Pennsylvania and New Jersey.


  3. Kamehameha Schools
    Average Salary: $74,691
    Kamehameha Schools seeks passionate Preschool Teachers. They emphasize cultural education and have campuses in Hawaii.


  4. Mission Neighborhood Centers
    Average Salary: $69,992
    Mission Neighborhood Centers provides a supportive environment for Preschool Teachers. They work in the San Francisco Bay Area to support children's early learning.


  5. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $69,464
    Prince William County Public Schools offers various Preschool Teacher jobs. They have schools across Prince William County, Virginia.


  6. YMCA of the East Bay
    Average Salary: $65,150
    YMCA of the East Bay has a strong community focus. They offer Preschool Teacher positions with a supportive work culture. Locations include the East Bay area of California.


  7. Bellevue School District
    Average Salary: $64,491
    Bellevue School District is committed to early childhood education. They have Preschool Teacher jobs in Bellevue, Washington.


  8. Kingsley Montessori School
    Average Salary: $63,652
    Kingsley Montessori School provides a Montessori-based education. They have Preschool Teacher positions in multiple locations across Massachusetts.


  9. EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS
    Average Salary: $62,960
    EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS offer Preschool Teacher roles with a focus on student development. They serve communities in Minnesota.


  10. Springfield Public Schools, MA
    Average Salary: $62,663
    Springfield Public Schools provides diverse Preschool Teacher opportunities. They serve the Springfield area in Massachusetts.

How to earn more as a Preschool Teacher?

Becoming a preschool teacher can be a rewarding job, but it's natural to wonder how to earn more. Many factors can influence a preschool teacher's salary. Understanding these factors can help you take steps to boost your earnings. Here are some key points to consider:

First, education and qualifications play a significant role. Preschool teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often earn more. These extra qualifications show employers that you have the skills needed to provide a higher quality of education. Continuing education and professional development can also lead to higher pay.

  1. Education and Qualifications: Higher degrees and certifications can increase earning potential.
  2. Location: Urban areas typically offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.
  3. Experience: More years in the field can lead to higher pay rates.
  4. Specialization: Skills in areas like special education can attract higher salaries.
  5. Additional Responsibilities: Taking on extra duties such as administrative roles can increase pay.

Currently 7,276 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.
Position
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Preschool Teacher
7,276 Job Openings