Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education out-earn Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education by $26K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education land at $38,140 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education at $63,970. The education gap is real: preschool 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 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education is District of Columbia ($62,150); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education earn more nationally. The median is $38,140 for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, a difference of $26K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education has the better 10-year outlook at 4.1% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Preschool 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 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education at $62,150/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education earn $62,150 vs. $96,580 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.