As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Preschool/Pre Teacher in the United States is $43,238 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Preschool/Pre Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Preschool/Pre 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.
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/Pre 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
|
$48,427 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$47,130 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$46,697 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$45,400 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$45,400 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$44,968 |
4%
|
For Preschool/Pre Teacher roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Preschool/Pre Teacher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Preschool/Pre Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $64,857 | $31.0 | 50% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $51,886 | $25.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Preschool/Pre 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/Pre Teacher with a No Diploma is between $36,746 and $39,056).
Preschool/Pre 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/Pre 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Preschool/Pre Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,810 in 2023 to around $42,448 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Preschool/Pre Teacher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,810 |
| 2024 | $42,929 |
| 2025 | $42,448 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Preschool/Pre Teacher roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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