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Preschool Teacher salary
Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than five years old.
Median annual
$38,000
Median hourly
$18
Top 10% earn
$55,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$30,000
Median$38,000
Top 10%$55,000
Preschool Teacher salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $32,900 | $16 | -13% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $35,800 | $17 | -6% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $40,000 | $19 | +5% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $47,500 | $23 | +25% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified preschool teachers, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
Job outlook
3% growth through 2033 — early education demand steady.
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