Kindergarten Teacher Salary in the United States
Based on 109K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$64,160
$30.85/hr
▲ 3.7% vs 2024Salary Range
$48K – $87K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
109K
workers nationwide
The median Kindergarten Teacher salary in the United States is $64,160 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most Kindergarten Teachers earning between $47,710 and $86,732 annually. The profession supports a significant workforce, with over 108,820 individuals employed nationwide in this vital early childhood education role.
Several factors influence a Kindergarten Teacher's compensation. Experience plays a crucial role, with more seasoned educators typically earning higher salaries. Location is also a major determinant, as the cost of living and demand for teachers vary significantly by state and district. Educational attainment, such as advanced degrees or specialized certifications, can also contribute to a higher Kindergarten Teacher salary in the United States.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,710 |
| 25th percentile | $54,591 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,160 |
| 75th percentile | $75,733 |
| 90th percentile | $86,732 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Kindergarten Teacher
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $99,960 | +55.8% | 5K |
| 2 | Connecticut | $90,030 | +40.3% | 1K |
| 3 | Rhode Island | $85,470 | +33.2% | 360 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $84,100 | +31.1% | 2K |
| 5 | California | $82,550 | +28.7% | 7K |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $81,500 | +27.0% | 180 |
| 7 | New York | $77,630 | +21.0% | 7K |
| 8 | Maryland | $75,910 | +18.3% | 2K |
| 9 | Minnesota | $75,500 | +17.7% | 3K |
| 10 | New Mexico | $74,380 | +15.9% | 950 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Industry
How much Kindergarten Teachers earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($64,890 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,890 | +1.1% | — |
| 2 | Educational Services | $62,780 | -2.2% | 107K |
| 3 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $51,910 | -19.1% | 210 |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $46,920 | -26.9% | 1K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Kindergarten Teacher
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Kindergarten Teacher roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee Board Of School Directors | $54,386 | 7 |
Historical Salary Trend — Kindergarten Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,509 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,591 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,733 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $86,732 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Kindergarten Teacher in the US?
- The median salary for Kindergarten Teachers in the United States is $64,160 per year. This means half of all Kindergarten Teachers earn more, and half earn less than this amount.
What is the salary range for Kindergarten Teachers?
- The salary range for Kindergarten Teachers in the US typically falls between $47,710 and $86,732 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and other factors.
Which state pays Kindergarten Teachers the most?
- The top-paying state for Kindergarten Teachers is Washington, where the median annual salary reaches $99,960. This is significantly higher than the national median of $64,160.
Is the demand for Kindergarten Teachers high?
- Yes, there are over 108,820 Kindergarten Teachers employed across the United States, indicating a substantial presence in the education sector. This number reflects a consistent need for early childhood educators.