Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
SOC code 25-2011 · O*NET-SOC 25-2011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Education and library
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$38,140
a year
Hourly
$18.34
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$43,030
$20.69 per hour
Middle 50%
$34,530 – $47,550
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$28,990 – $61,390
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
478,780
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $28,990
- $13.94/hr
- 25th percentile
- $34,530
- $16.60/hr
- Median percentile
- $38,140
- $18.34/hr
- 75th percentile
- $47,550
- $22.86/hr
- 90th percentile
- $61,390
- $29.52/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
555,100
jobs in 2024
578,100
projected for 2034
About 23,000 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do preschool teachers, except special education do?
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 29% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)29%
- Bachelor's Degree17%
- Some College Courses12%
- Master's Degree12%
Common questions
How much does a preschool teachers, except special education earn?
The national median is $38,140 a year. The full range runs from $28,990 at the 10th percentile to $61,390 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a preschool teachers, except special education without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is preschool teachers, except special education in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking4.0/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Learning Strategies3.9/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Education and Training4.0/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Public Safety and Security3.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
- Psychology3.1/5
- Administration and Management2.7/5
- Administrative2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation.