What is the average annual salary for a preschool teacher in the United States?

What is the average annual salary for a preschool teacher in the United States as of the latest available data, specifically breaking down the figures by state, region, and employment setting (such as public schools, private facilities, Head Start programs, and Montessori institutions), and accounting for factors like years of experience, educational qualifications (e.g., associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or state certification), and whether benefits are included or excluded in the reported figures? Additionally, how has this average salary trended over the past decade, and how does it compare to the national average for all early childhood education roles (such as childcare workers and teacher assistants)?

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program for May 2022 (the most recent comprehensive data available as of late 2023/early 2024):

1. National Mean Annual Wage: The mean annual wage for preschool teachers (excluding special education) in the United States was $34,350.

2. Mean Hourly Wage: This equates to a mean hourly wage of $16.51.

3. Salary Range:

   • The lowest 10% earned less than $24,960 annually.
   • The lowest 25% earned less than $27,580 annually.
   • The median (50th percentile) earned $31,930 annually.
   • The highest 25% earned more than $39,910 annually.
   • The highest 10% earned more than $50,530 annually.

4. Significant Variation by Sector:

   • Child Day Care Services: The largest employing sector with a mean annual wage of $31,870.
   • Elementary and Secondary Schools: This includes public preschool programs and typically offers higher pay, with a mean annual wage of $50,110.

5. Variation by Location:

   • States/areas with the highest mean annual wages (examples, top typically include urban/high-cost areas):
     • District of Columbia: $55,790
     • New York: $51,060
     • Massachusetts: $49,440
     • Connecticut: $46,790
     • California: $46,470
   • States/areas with the lowest mean annual wages (examples, bottom typically include rural/lower-cost areas):
     • Mississippi: $25,890
     • West Virginia: $26,950
     • South Dakota: $28,300
     • Alabama: $28,490
     • Louisiana: $28,570

6. Impact of Education and Credentials:

   • While the BLS data aggregates all preschool teachers, qualifications significantly impact pay. Public school preschool teachers typically require a bachelor’s degree and state certification, earning salaries closer to elementary school teachers (often well above the national mean of $34,350).
   • Teachers in private preschools or Head Start programs may hold associate degrees, Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, or high school diplomas with experience, and often earn wages at or below the national mean ($31,870 for private childcare).
   • Additional degrees (Master’s), specialized certifications, and years of experience further increase earning potential.
7. Other Considerations:
   • Benefits (health insurance, retirement) vary widely and are generally more common and robust in public school settings than in private preschools.
   • Head Start teachers, federally funded for low-income children, often receive salaries aligned with local public preschool scales due to program mandates, though implementation can vary.
   • Salary data is subject to change with new BLS releases.

In summary: While the national mean annual salary for preschool teachers in the US is $34,350 based on May 2022 data, actual salaries vary dramatically depending heavily on geographic location, type of employer (public school vs. private childcare center), educational attainment, and experience levels. Public preschool roles commanded significantly higher wages on average.