Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$60,280
$28.98/hr
vs National Average
$64,160
-6.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $80K
2K employed in Kentucky
Kindergarten teachers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $60,280 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 2,450 kindergarten teachers working across the state, this represents a significant portion of Kentucky's early childhood education workforce. However, the kindergarten teacher salary in Kentucky falls about 6 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences.
Several factors influence kindergarten teacher compensation throughout the state. Experience level, educational credentials, and specialized certifications can lead to higher earnings within the typical range of $44,980 to $79,920 annually. School district funding, location within Kentucky, and whether teachers work in public or private institutions also play important roles in determining final salary offers and long-term earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,980 |
| 25th percentile | $49,130 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,280 |
| 75th percentile | $65,070 |
| 90th percentile | $79,920 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $56,110 |
| 2023 | $59,430 |
| 2024 | $57,820 |
| 2025 | $60,280 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,845 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $56,110 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $59,430 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $57,820 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $60,280 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,845 | $66,890 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,130 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,280 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,920 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Kindergarten Teacher Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Kindergarten Teacher ($60,280 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Kindergarten Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian in KY | $65,200 | +8.2% | $31.35/hr |
| School Counselor in KY | $64,350 | +6.8% | $30.94/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in KY | $63,640 | +5.6% | $30.60/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in KY | $61,560 | +2.1% | $29.60/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KY | $61,120 | +1.4% | $29.38/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | +0.5% | $29.14/hr |
| Tutor in KY | $39,990 | -33.7% | $19.23/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in KY | $60,150 | -0.2% | $28.92/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in KY | $60,460 | +0.3% | $29.07/hr |
| Police Officer in KY | $60,490 | +0.3% | $29.08/hr |
| Paralegal in KY | $59,830 | -0.7% | $28.76/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | -0.9% | $28.71/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kindergarten teachers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for kindergarten teachers in Kentucky is $60,280 per year, or $29 per hour. This is 6.0% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for kindergarten teachers in Kentucky?
- Kindergarten teacher salaries in Kentucky range from $44,980 at the low end to $79,920 at the high end, representing a difference of nearly $35,000 between entry-level and top earners.
How many kindergarten teachers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 2,450 kindergarten teachers employed throughout Kentucky, making it a stable career field in the state.
Is the kindergarten teacher salary in Kentucky higher or lower than the national average?
- Kentucky kindergarten teacher salaries are 6.0% lower than the national average, with the state median of $60,280 falling below the typical earnings for this profession across the United States.