As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Kindergarten Classroom Teacher in the United States is $54,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Kindergarten Classroom Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Kindergarten Classroom Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Kindergarten Classroom Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Kindergarten Classroom Teacher | $51,640 |
| Intermediate Level Kindergarten Classroom Teacher | $51,882 |
| Senior Level Kindergarten Classroom Teacher | $54,830 |
| Specialist Level Kindergarten Classroom Teacher | $57,797 |
| Expert Level Kindergarten Classroom Teacher | $58,009 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Kindergarten Classroom Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communicates Effectively | 12.08% |
| Record Keeping | 2.68% |
| Child Development | 1.34% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Assessment and Diagnosis
|
$64,074 |
18%
|
|
Distance Learning
|
$62,445 |
15%
|
|
Human Relations
|
$60,816 |
12%
|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$60,273 |
11%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$59,730 |
10%
|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$58,644 |
8%
|
Understanding how a Kindergarten Classroom Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Kindergarten Classroom Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,558 in 2023 to around $53,357 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Kindergarten Classroom Teacher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $54,558 |
| 2024 | $53,790 |
| 2025 | $53,357 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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On average, Kindergarten Classroom Teachers work about 53 hours a week, which is seven more hours than the typical working adult. Despite their dedication, only 24 percent express satisfaction with their total weekly hours. Salaries for these teachers range from $53,000 to $76,800, with a median salary of $63,900.
Do kindergarten teachers get paid during summer? Typically, kindergarten teachers earn an annual salary ranging from $53,000 to $76,800. Depending on the school, they may receive their salary over 10 or 12 months. If paid over 10 months, teachers receive higher monthly pay but do not get paid during the summer.
Kindergarten teachers earn between $53,000 and $76,800, with a median salary of $63,900. While some states like California and New York offer higher salaries, the average pay for kindergarten teachers varies significantly across the country.
The highest-paid teachers in the world can be found in Luxembourg, where they earn approximately $76,800 annually. In comparison, Kindergarten Classroom Teachers in the U.S. have a salary range from $53,000 to $76,800, with a median salary of $63,900, reflecting the varying compensation for educators globally.
The top pay for a kindergarten teacher can reach up to $76,800 annually. Currently, salaries typically range from a minimum of $53,000 to a mid-level of $63,900, reflecting the growing demand and importance of early childhood education.
A day as a kindergarten teacher is far from easy. With students of all ability levels, teachers face the challenge of incorporating reading, writing, math, and social studies into their lessons while differentiating instruction. The salary for this role ranges from $53,000 to $76,800, reflecting the dedication and effort required to nurture young minds.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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