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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in U.S.

The median pay for a preschool teachers, except special education in U.S. is $37,120/year ($17.85/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $60K for experienced workers.

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)

$37K
Median annual
$17.85/hr
Hourly rate
$28K
Entry level (10th %)
$60K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $37K get you in U.S.?

Estimated monthly take-home$2,655/mo
Median 2BR rent-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home53.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$37,120/yr
Monthly remaining after rent$1,243/mo
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About preschool teachers, except special educations

U.S. employed: 445,080
Category: Education
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Currently hiring in U.S.
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.

Bar chart showing Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $28,300, 25th percentile $31,250, median $37,120, 75th percentile $46,550, 90th percentile $60,070. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$28K25th$31KMedian$37K75th$47K90th$60K
Bar chart showing Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $28,300, 25th percentile $31,250, median $37,120, 75th percentile $46,550, 90th percentile $60,070. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level preschool teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K.Top earners bring in $60K or more - a $32K spread from bottom to top.

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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
Nebraska$50K+35%1,070
New Jersey$47K+25%17,990
California$46K+24%49,260
New York$46K+23%25,180
District of Columbia$45K+21%2,770
Massachusetts$45K+21%15,380
Hawaii$45K+21%1,370
Vermont$45K+21%1,480
North Dakota$44K+19%570
Washington$43K+17%13,020
Kansas$43K+16%1,570
Connecticut$43K+16%6,190
Georgia$42K+14%11,230
Oregon$39K+6%6,740
Minnesota$39K+4%10,830

Track preschool teachers, except special education salary changes

BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do preschool teachers, except special educations make in U.S.?

The median is $37,120 a year - that works out to about $17.85 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $28,300, and experienced preschool teachers, except special educations can clear $60,070. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $37K enough to live in U.S.?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,655/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 53.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.

How far does a preschool teachers, except special education salary go in U.S.?

U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median preschool teachers, except special education salary is worth about $37,120 in national-average purchasing power.

Where do preschool teachers, except special educations get paid the most?

The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.

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