Kindergarten Teacher Salary in the United States
Based on 114K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$61,894
$29.757/hr
▼ 0.5% vs 2023Salary Range
$63K – $96K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
114K
workers nationwide
The median kindergarten teacher salary in the United States is $61,894 per year, with approximately 114,400 educators currently employed in this role nationwide. Kindergarten teachers play a crucial role in early childhood education, laying the foundation for students' academic and social development during their formative years.
Several factors influence kindergarten teacher salary in the United States, including geographic location, years of experience, educational credentials, and district funding levels. Teachers in urban areas and states with higher costs of living typically earn more than their rural counterparts. Additionally, advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and performance metrics can impact earning potential within this field.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,750 |
| 25th percentile | $81,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,894 |
| 75th percentile | $94,810 |
| 90th percentile | $96,020 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Kindergarten Teacher
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $86,390 | +39.6% | 320 |
| 2 | California | $84,550 | +36.6% | 7K |
| 3 | Washington | $84,500 | +36.5% | 5K |
| 4 | Connecticut | $83,920 | +35.6% | 1K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $82,440 | +33.2% | 2K |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $75,210 | +21.5% | 180 |
| 7 | New York | $75,110 | +21.4% | 8K |
| 8 | Oregon | $74,620 | +20.6% | 1K |
| 9 | Maryland | $70,960 | +14.6% | 2K |
| 10 | New Mexico | $69,690 | +12.6% | 1K |
Historical Salary Trend — Kindergarten Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $61,894 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kindergarten teachers make per hour in the United States?
- Kindergarten teachers in the United States earn a median hourly rate of $30/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $61,894, with experienced teachers earning between $62,750 and $96,020 per year.
What state pays kindergarten teachers the most?
- Rhode Island offers the highest pay for kindergarten teachers at $86,390 per year. This is significantly above the national median salary of $61,894, making it one of the top-paying locations for this profession.
Is kindergarten teacher a well-paying job?
- Kindergarten teachers earn a median salary of $61,894 annually, with the top 25% earning between $86,390 and $96,020 per year. While this is a modest income, the salary reflects the entry-level nature of the position and varies considerably by location.
How many kindergarten teachers are employed in the US?
- There are currently 114,400 kindergarten teachers employed throughout the United States. This reflects a stable and substantial job market for those pursuing a career in early childhood education.