Kindergarten Teacher Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 180+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$81,500
$39.18/hr
vs National Average
$64,160
+27.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $124K
180 employed in District of Columbia
The median kindergarten teacher salary in District of Columbia is $81,500 per year, which is notably 27% above the national average. With approximately 180 kindergarten teachers employed in the district, salaries in this role range from $63,530 to $123,530 annually. This compensation reflects the region's higher cost of living and demand for qualified educators in early childhood education.
Several factors influence kindergarten teacher salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific school or program type. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often earn toward the higher end of the salary range. Additionally, whether educators work in public schools, private institutions, or specialized programs can significantly impact their compensation packages and overall earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,530 |
| 25th percentile | $76,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,500 |
| 75th percentile | $98,110 |
| 90th percentile | $123,530 |
Top-Paying Industries for Kindergarten Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Kindergarten Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Kindergarten Teachers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,890 | — |
| Educational Services | $62,780 | 107K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $51,910 | 210 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $46,920 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Kindergarten Teacher in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,700 |
| 2023 | $72,970 |
| 2024 | $75,210 |
| 2025 | $81,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,390 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,700 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $72,970 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $75,210 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $81,500 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,390 | $68,010 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,530 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Kindergarten Teacher Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Kindergarten Teacher ($81,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Kindergarten Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in DC | $105,990 | +30.0% | $50.96/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in DC | $96,580 | +18.5% | $46.43/hr |
| Librarian in DC | $96,550 | +18.5% | $46.42/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in DC | $82,750 | +1.5% | $39.78/hr |
| School Counselor in DC | $80,470 | -1.3% | $38.69/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in DC | $79,900 | -2.0% | $38.41/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | -18.5% | $31.94/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in DC | $80,980 | -0.6% | $38.93/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in DC | $80,950 | -0.7% | $38.92/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in DC | $82,150 | +0.8% | $39.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in DC | $79,240 | -2.8% | $38.10/hr |
| Editor in DC | $83,920 | +3.0% | $40.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kindergarten teachers make in Washington DC?
- Kindergarten teachers in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $81,500 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 27.0% premium for the DC area.
What is the salary range for kindergarten teachers in DC?
- Kindergarten teacher salaries in the District of Columbia range from $63,530 at the lower end to $123,530 at the higher end. This $60,000 spread reflects variations based on experience, education, and specific school assignments.
How many kindergarten teachers are employed in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 180 kindergarten teachers currently employed in the District of Columbia, making it a relatively small but established professional group in the region.
Is kindergarten teacher pay in DC above the national average?
- Yes, kindergarten teachers in the District of Columbia earn 27.0% more than the national average, with a median salary of $81,500 compared to lower national figures. This makes DC one of the more lucrative locations for this profession.