Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education out-earn Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education by $1K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education land at $62,680 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education at $63,970. The education gap is real: kindergarten teachers, except special education programs typically require bachelor's degree, while elementary school teachers, except special education programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education is Washington ($99,960); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education earn more nationally. The median is $62,680 for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, a difference of $1K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education has the better 10-year outlook at -1.6% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education typically requires bachelor's degree. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education at $99,960/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education earn $99,960 vs. $102,350 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.