Kindergarten Teacher Salary in North Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$53,180
$25.57/hr
vs National Average
$64,160
-17.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $64K
2K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the Kindergarten Teacher salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual earning of $53,180. This figure falls 17% below the national average, with the typical salary range spanning from $40,760 to $63,620. Approximately 2,250 individuals are employed in this vital educational role across the state.
Several factors can influence a Kindergarten Teacher salary in North Carolina. Experience levels, the specific school district's funding and pay scales, and any additional certifications or specialized training will all play a role in determining an individual's compensation within this field.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,760 |
| 25th percentile | $46,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $53,180 |
| 75th percentile | $59,530 |
| 90th percentile | $63,620 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,150 |
| 2023 | $50,040 |
| 2024 | $49,080 |
| 2025 | $53,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,371 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,150 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $50,040 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $49,080 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $53,180 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,371 | $68,010 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $53,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $63,620 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Kindergarten Teacher Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Kindergarten Teacher ($53,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Kindergarten Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in NC | $63,340 | +19.1% | $30.45/hr |
| Librarian in NC | $61,420 | +15.5% | $29.53/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | +8.4% | $27.72/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | +8.4% | $27.71/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NC | $54,930 | +3.3% | $26.41/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in NC | $52,010 | -2.2% | $25.00/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | -21.6% | $20.05/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in NC | $52,830 | -0.7% | $25.40/hr |
| Truck Driver in NC | $51,530 | -3.1% | $24.77/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in NC | $51,240 | -3.6% | $24.63/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in NC | $55,490 | +4.3% | $26.68/hr |
| Title Examiner in NC | $50,500 | -5.0% | $24.28/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Kindergarten teacher make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Kindergarten teacher in North Carolina is $53,180 per year, which breaks down to about $26 per hour. The salary range for these professionals typically falls between $40,760 and $63,620 annually.
What is the average salary for Kindergarten teachers in North Carolina compared to the national average?
- Kindergarten teachers in North Carolina earn approximately 17.1% less than the national average. This means while the median salary in NC is $53,180, the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for Kindergarten teachers in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, Kindergarten teachers can expect to earn between $40,760 and $63,620 per year. The median salary for this profession in the state is $53,180.
How many Kindergarten teachers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 2,250 Kindergarten teachers currently employed in North Carolina. These educators contribute to the state's education system with a median annual salary of $53,180.