Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Median pay: $38,140/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 65,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
• Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
• Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
What's the median pay for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education?
The median pay for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education is $38,140 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education?
Employment for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education is projected to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education?
About 65,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.