How much do preschool teachers typically earn per hour?

When researching potential career opportunities or evaluating current compensation, I’m trying to get a realistic overview of preschool teaching pay: How much do preschool teachers typically earn per hour, and what factors—such as geographic location, type of preschool setting (public vs. private), years of experience, or educational qualifications—commonly influence these hourly rates? I’m particularly interested in understanding whether the pay varies significantly between urban, suburban, and rural areas.

The typical hourly wage for preschool teachers in the United States varies based on factors such as location, experience, education level, type of employer (public vs. private), and state regulations. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2022:

1. Median Hourly Wage: The median hourly wage for preschool teachers (excluding special education) was $14.82.

   • This translates to an annual median salary of approximately $30,830, based on full-time, year-round employment.

2. Range of Earnings:

   • 10th Percentile: Earned less than $19.20 per hour (annual income under $40,000), typically entry-level roles or part-time positions.
   • 90th Percentile: Earned more than $25.00 per hour (annual income over $52,000), often requiring advanced degrees, specialized certifications, or roles in high-cost areas.

3. Key Influencing Factors:

   • Geographic Location: Wages are significantly higher in urban areas and states with higher costs of living. For example:
     • Highest-Paying States: California ($19.76/hour), Massachusetts ($18.50/hour), New York ($17.95/hour), and Oregon ($17.70/hour).
     • Lowest-Paying States: Mississippi ($11.20/hour), Louisiana ($11.50/hour), and West Virginia ($11.75/hour).
   • Education and Certification: Teachers with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or state certification often earn 20–30% more than those with only an associate’s degree or CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.
   • Employer Type:
     • Public school districts: Pay aligns with K–12 teacher scales, averaging $18–$25/hour.
     • Private preschools/daycares: Typically $12–$17/hour.
     • Head Start programs: Federally funded but often $11–$15/hour.
   • Experience: Entry-level positions start near $12/hour, while veterans with 10+ years may earn $16–$20/hour.
4. Additional Context:
   • Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Hourly rates are consistent, but part-time teachers may not receive benefits (healthcare, retirement).
   • Benefits: Roughly 30% of preschool teachers lack employer-sponsored health insurance, compared to 50% of all U.S. workers.
   • Unionization: Unionized roles (e.g., in public schools or large childcare chains) negotiate wages up to 15% higher than non-union peers.
   • Future Outlook: The BLS projects a 3% growth rate (2022–2032), slower than the national average, with wage increases tied to policy changes (e.g., state-funded pre-K expansions).

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2022 data), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (2023).