Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Illinois
Based on 5K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$64,020
$30.78/hr
vs National Average
$64,160
-0.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $103K
5K employed in Illinois
The median kindergarten teacher salary in Illinois is $64,020 per year, with approximately 4,660 educators currently employed in the state. This figure matches the national average, indicating that Illinois offers competitive compensation for early childhood educators. Salaries in the field range from $46,040 to $103,420 annually, reflecting the diversity of experience and employment settings across the state.
Several factors influence kindergarten teacher compensation in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district or private institution offering the position. Urban districts, particularly those with higher funding levels, typically offer salaries at the upper end of the spectrum. Additionally, teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may command higher pay. School budget availability and regional cost-of-living differences also play significant roles in determining individual salary offers across the state.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,040 |
| 25th percentile | $53,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,020 |
| 75th percentile | $81,390 |
| 90th percentile | $103,420 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,030 |
| 2023 | $64,720 |
| 2024 | $62,650 |
| 2025 | $64,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,420 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,030 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $64,720 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $62,650 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $64,020 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,420 | $65,563 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,010 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,420 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Kindergarten Teacher Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Kindergarten Teacher ($64,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Kindergarten Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in IL | $79,990 | +24.9% | $38.46/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IL | $76,110 | +18.9% | $36.59/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | +18.8% | $36.56/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IL | $75,320 | +17.7% | $36.21/hr |
| Librarian in IL | $62,700 | -2.1% | $30.14/hr |
| School Counselor in IL | $62,420 | -2.5% | $30.01/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | -30.9% | $21.26/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IL | $64,280 | +0.4% | $30.90/hr |
| Paralegal in IL | $63,670 | -0.5% | $30.61/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IL | $62,560 | -2.3% | $30.08/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IL | $62,540 | -2.3% | $30.07/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -5.1% | $29.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kindergarten teachers make in Illinois?
- The median salary for kindergarten teachers in Illinois is $64,020 per year, or $31 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a -0.2% difference compared to kindergarten teachers across the United States.
What is the salary range for kindergarten teachers in Illinois?
- Kindergarten teacher salaries in Illinois range from $46,040 at the lower end to $103,420 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education level, and school district funding.
How many kindergarten teachers are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 4,660 kindergarten teachers employed throughout Illinois. This represents the total workforce of individuals in this role across the state.
Is the kindergarten teacher salary in Illinois competitive compared to the national average?
- Illinois kindergarten teacher salaries are nearly competitive with the national average, falling just 0.2% below it with a median of $64,020 per year. This makes Illinois a reasonably competitive state for this profession, though earnings may vary depending on the specific school district.