The median annual wage for preschool teachers was $28,570 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,990.
In May 2015, the median annual wages for preschool teachers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
$42,880
Individual and family services
30,810
Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
29,530
Child day care services
26,210
Preschool teachers in public schools generally work during school hours. Many work the traditional 10-month school year and a 2-month break during the summer. Some preschool teachers may teach in summer programs.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 8 weeks in a row then have a break for 1 week before starting a new school session. They also have a 5-week midwinter break.
Those working in day care settings may work longer hours and often work the whole year.
Preschool Teachers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Preschool, primary, secondary, and special education school teachers
$53,860
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Preschool teachers
$28,570
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
