As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Preschool Teacher in the United States is $43,180 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Preschool Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Preschool 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Preschool 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | 0-0 years | $43,177 |
| Day Care Worker I | 0-1 years | $33,006 |
| Day Care Worker II | 1-3 years | $37,229 |
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 Preschool Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.87% |
| First Aid | 6.98% |
| Child Abuse | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$48,362 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$47,066 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$46,634 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$45,339 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$45,339 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$44,907 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Preschool Teachers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Preschool Teacher with a No Diploma is between $36,562 and $38,860).
Preschool Teacher Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 27.5% |
| Associates | 24.5% |
| Bachelors | 39.7% |
| Masters | 7.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Preschool 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, 2026For a Preschool Teacher, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Day Care Worker I role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $33,100 - a projected growth of -23% over your current level.
Salaries for a Preschool Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,052 in 2023 to around $42,687 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Preschool Teacher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,052 |
| 2024 | $43,171 |
| 2025 | $42,687 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Preschool Teacher and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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