Preschool teachers in the United States make an average annual salary around $37,120 to $37,130, which translates to about $17.85 per hour as of 2023-2024 data
. Salary ranges can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the type of institution:
- Entry-level preschool teachers typically earn between $32,000 and $46,000 annually, while those with 15+ years of experience can earn from $37,000 up to $63,000 or more per year
- Geographic location impacts pay, with states like California, District of Columbia, and Colorado offering higher average salaries (around $50,000 to $62,000), while lower-paying states may offer salaries closer to $26,000 to $35,000 annually
- Preschool teachers in public pre-K programs generally earn more, with mean salaries around $48,840, compared to those in private programs, which may average closer to $30,940
- Hourly wages average about $12.60 to $17.85, with recent data showing around $17.30 per hour nationally
In summary, preschool teacher salaries typically range from about $28,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer type.
