Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education fall under the Education, Training, and Library category in the U.S. occupational classification. Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education earn a median salary of $38,140 per year, ranking in the top 91% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.5% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do preschool teachers, except special education earn?

The median annual wage for preschool teachers, except special education is $38,140. That puts preschool teachers, except special education at #753 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is preschool teachers, except special education a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for preschool teachers, except special education is +4.5%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 583K positions in 2024 to 609K in 2034, a net change of 26K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become preschool teachers, except special education?

The standard path into preschool teachers, except special education begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Law Teachers, Postsecondary
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• Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
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• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
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• Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
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Common questions parents ask about preschool teachers, except special education