As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Childhood Teacher in the United States is $43,099 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Childhood Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Childhood 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 Childhood 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 Childhood Teacher | $42,156 |
| Intermediate Level Childhood Teacher | $42,549 |
| Senior Level Childhood Teacher | $45,286 |
| Specialist Level Childhood Teacher | $46,293 |
| Expert Level Childhood Teacher | $46,629 |
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 Childhood 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
|
$48,271 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$46,978 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$46,547 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$45,254 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$45,254 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$44,823 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Childhood 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 Childhood Teacher with a No Diploma is between $36,746 and $39,056).
Childhood 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 Childhood 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 Childhood Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,149 in 2023 to around $43,776 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Childhood Teacher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,149 |
| 2024 | $44,272 |
| 2025 | $43,776 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Childhood 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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