Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary (2025)
Based on 478,780 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $28,990 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $34,530 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $38,140 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $47,550 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $61,390 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$29K
25th
$35K
Median
$38K
75th
$48K
90th
$61K
Highest Paying States for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $68,100 |
| New Jersey | $56,770 |
| Colorado | $53,270 |
| Vermont | $52,520 |
| New York | $51,930 |
| California | $51,190 |
| Connecticut | $50,830 |
| Alaska | $50,670 |
| Hawaii | $50,670 |
| New Mexico | $50,510 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $68,100 per year, while New Mexico has an average of $50,510 — a difference of $17,590. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 478,780 workers were employed as Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Educational Instruction and Library Occupations. The annual mean wage of $43,030 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 25-2011