How Much Does a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher make?

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher made a median salary around $43,674 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $49,446 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $39,481. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Pre-Kindergarten Teacher jobs in Chicago, Illinois

Early Childhood Pre-k Teacher

Metropolitan Family services - Chicago, IL

CTE Pre-Engineering Teacher

Chicago Public Schools - Chicago, IL

Kindergarten Prep Teacher - The Esplanade

Bright Horizons Family Solutions - Downers Grove, IL

Education Director / Lead Pre-K Teacher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada - Chicago, IL

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Best-Paying Cities for Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher profession are Berwyn , Chicago , Cicero , Elmwood Park , Forest Park .
Berwyn, IL $43,674
Chicago, IL $43,674
Cicero, IL $43,674
Elmwood Park, IL $43,674
Forest Park, IL $43,674

Best-Paying States for Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

The states and districts that pay Pre-Kindergarten Teacher the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $46,793) , California (around $46,616) , Massachusetts (around $45,995) , Washington (around $45,826) , and New Jersey (around $45,809) .
District of Columbia $46,793
California $46,616
Massachusetts $45,995
Washington $45,826
New Jersey $45,809

What is the Career Path of Pre-Kindergarten Teacher?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, the upper level is Child Caregiver I , and then progresses to Child Caregiver II
Besides, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher can also turn to other related jobs, including Teacher , Teacher Kindergarten , Teacher Aide and Teacher Assistant Teacher .

Frequently Asked Questions for Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Q: What is the salary range of Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in Chicago, IL?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in Chicago, IL earned an average annual salary of $39,481 , while the highest-paid made $49,446.
Q: What is the salary for a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in California?
A: Pre-Kindergarten Teacher employed in California earned an average salary of $46,616 in 2025.

Average Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Pay vs. Other Jobs

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher earned an average salary of $43,674 in 2025. Other jobs related to Pre-Kindergarten Teacher earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Teacher made $62,399 , Teacher Kindergarten made $55,216 , Teacher Aide and Teacher Assistant Teacher made $36,718 and $33,087 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Teacher - Average Salary $62,399
There is currently no job description for Teacher, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Teacher.
Teacher Kindergarten - Average Salary $55,216
Prepares lessons and instructs students in an assigned elementary school's kindergarten. Develops and implements activities to meet the academic, developmental, and social needs of children in kindergarten classroom setting. Monitors and guides classroom behavior. Resolves classroom issues and conflicts. Assesses and documents students' progress. Participates in development and implementation of Individual Education Plans for specific students. May participate in implementing special programs for students. May supervise teaching assistants. Requires a bachelor's degree. May require state-specific teaching license. Typically requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Typically reports to a principal. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Teacher Aide - Average Salary $36,718
Partners with one or more teachers to prepare lessons and instruct students. Engages with students individually or in small groups to answer questions and facilitate activities. Helps teachers resolve classroom issues and conflicts. Monitors and evaluates students' performance. Typically requires an associate degree. May require state-specific teaching license. Typically requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Typically reports to a principal. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Teacher Assistant Teacher - Average Salary $33,087
There is currently no job description for Teacher Assistant Teacher, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Teacher Assistant Teacher.
Teacher and Teacher Assistant - Average Salary $62,399
There is currently no job description for Teacher and Teacher Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Teacher and Teacher Assistant.