Position
Salary

How much does a Preschool Teacher make?

The average salary for a Preschool Teacher is $36,739 per year in the US.

Preschool teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds. They work with children before they enter kindergarten. The average yearly salary for preschool teachers is around $36,739. This means most preschool teachers earn between $24,000 and $60,626 each year. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the type of institution.

Factors that can affect a preschool teacher's salary include the following:

  • Experience: Teachers with more years in the field often earn higher salaries.
  • Location: Urban areas tend to offer higher wages than rural areas.
  • Type of Institution: Private schools may pay more than public schools.
  • Education and Certification: Advanced degrees and specialized certifications can lead to higher pay.
View Preschool Teacher jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Preschool Teacher?

Job seekers looking to become preschool teachers can find some of the highest salaries in San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $58,049. Salinas, CA, and San Jose, CA, also offer competitive wages, with averages of $51,919 and $51,817, respectively. Other top-paying cities include Washington, DC, Seattle, WA, and Boston, MA, all providing attractive compensation packages for preschool educators.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $58,049 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $44,803.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $58,049
    In San Francisco, educators have the chance to work in a vibrant city with diverse communities. Many schools offer enriching programs and support for young learners. Companies like KinderCare and Bright Horizons provide opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $51,919
    Salinas offers a welcoming environment for those who love to teach. The city's schools focus on creating a nurturing space for children. Local institutions like ABC Learning Centers provide a supportive workplace for educators.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Salinas, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $51,817
    San Jose is known for its tech-savvy culture, which extends to its educational institutions. Teachers here benefit from innovative teaching methods and resources. Companies such as KinderCare and Primrose Schools are prominent in the area.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $49,607
    Working in Washington, DC, offers a unique blend of culture and education. The city's schools often have strong community ties and support systems. Organizations like The Goddard School provide excellent career opportunities for educators.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $48,819
    Seattle provides a dynamic setting for educators, with a focus on outdoor learning and creativity. The city's schools value innovative teaching practices. Companies such as KinderCare and Bright Horizons offer supportive environments for teachers.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $48,260
    Boston offers a rich educational environment with a strong emphasis on history and culture. Teachers here benefit from a supportive network of schools and organizations. Companies like The Learning Experience provide opportunities for professional development.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $47,718
    Santa Rosa provides a peaceful setting for educators, with a focus on community and family. The city's schools offer a nurturing environment for young learners. Local institutions like KinderCare and Bright Horizons support professional growth.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $47,626
    Boulder offers a healthy and active lifestyle for educators, with a focus on outdoor learning and wellness. The city's schools value creativity and innovation. Companies such as KinderCare and Primrose Schools provide supportive workplaces.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $45,860
    Providence offers a vibrant educational scene with a strong sense of community. The city's schools focus on creating a supportive and engaging environment for children. Organizations like The Goddard School provide excellent career opportunities for teachers.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $44,803
    Los Angeles provides a diverse and dynamic setting for educators, with a focus on creativity and innovation. The city's schools offer a variety of programs and resources. Companies such as KinderCare and Bright Horizons support professional development.
    Find Preschool Teacher jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying preschool teacher positions should consider Anchorage School District, which offers an average salary of $78,489. Prince William County Public Schools also provides a competitive salary of $77,744. Wu Yee Children's Services pays $77,145 on average, making it another attractive option. Elwyn and Kamehameha Schools offer salaries around $77,000, while San Juan Unified School District pays $70,762. Manhattan Strategy Group, Kingsley Montessori School, and Mission Child Care Consortium Inc. provide salaries ranging from $64,571 to $67,585. These companies offer good opportunities for those seeking well-paying preschool teacher jobs.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Preschool Teacher jobs, highlighting Anchorage School District with the highest at $78,489 and Mission Child Care Consortium Inc. with the lowest at $64,571.
  1. Anchorage School District
    Average Salary: $78,489
    Anchorage School District offers competitive salaries for Preschool Teachers. They provide a nurturing environment for young learners in Anchorage, Alaska. Their programs focus on early childhood education to prepare children for future academic success.


  2. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $77,744
    Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia offers a rewarding career for Preschool Teachers. They emphasize a balanced curriculum that includes social, emotional, and academic development. The district operates numerous preschools across the county.


  3. Wu Yee Children's Services
    Average Salary: $77,145
    Wu Yee Children's Services in San Francisco provides a supportive setting for Preschool Teachers. They focus on inclusive education and offer various programs to support children's growth. Their preschools are located in the Bay Area.


  4. Elwyn
    Average Salary: $76,763
    Elwyn in Pennsylvania offers a fulfilling role for Preschool Teachers. They provide specialized education for children with special needs. Their preschools are located in the Philadelphia area, offering a supportive community for educators.


  5. Kamehameha Schools
    Average Salary: $71,847
    Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii offers a unique opportunity for Preschool Teachers. They focus on Hawaiian culture and language in their curriculum. Their preschools are located in various parts of the state, providing a rich cultural experience.


  6. San Juan Unified School District
    Average Salary: $70,762
    San Juan Unified School District in California offers a competitive salary for Preschool Teachers. They provide a comprehensive early childhood education program. Their preschools are located in the San Juan Capistrano area, focusing on student success.


  7. Mission Neighborhood Centers
    Average Salary: $70,707
    Mission Neighborhood Centers in San Francisco offers a supportive environment for Preschool Teachers. They focus on community-based education and offer various programs. Their preschools are located in the Mission District, providing a vibrant community for educators.


  8. Manhattan Strategy Group
    Average Salary: $67,585
    Manhattan Strategy Group in New York City offers a dynamic role for Preschool Teachers. They focus on innovative educational strategies. Their preschools are located in Manhattan, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.


  9. Kingsley Montessori School
    Average Salary: $65,818
    Kingsley Montessori School in Los Angeles offers a nurturing environment for Preschool Teachers. They follow the Montessori method of education. Their preschools are located in the Los Angeles area, providing a hands-on learning experience.


  10. Mission Child Care Consortium Inc.
    Average Salary: $64,571
    Mission Child Care Consortium Inc. in San Francisco offers a rewarding career for Preschool Teachers. They focus on quality early childhood education. Their preschools are located in the San Francisco area, providing a supportive community for educators.

How to earn more as a Preschool Teacher?

Becoming a preschool teacher can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. Many preschool teachers find joy in shaping young minds and fostering a love of learning. However, like many professions, earning potential can vary. To maximize earnings, consider these key factors:

First, gaining additional certifications can open up higher-paying opportunities. For example, becoming a certified teacher in early childhood education can lead to better-paying positions. Second, gaining experience in different preschool settings can make a teacher more versatile and attractive to employers. Third, pursuing a master's degree in early childhood education can lead to higher-paying positions, such as administrative roles. Fourth, taking on leadership roles, such as a lead teacher or program director, can also increase earning potential. Finally, seeking out schools in areas with higher costs of living can lead to higher salaries.

By focusing on these factors, preschool teachers can enhance their skills and increase their earning potential. This can lead to a more rewarding and financially stable career.

  • Gain additional certifications
  • Gain experience in different preschool settings
  • Pursue a master's degree in early childhood education
  • Take on leadership roles
  • Seek out schools in higher cost-of-living areas

Currently 5,964 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
Overview
Preschool Teacher
5,964 Job Openings