How to Become a Preschool Teacher
Guide the youngest learners through the social, physical, and early academic growth that sets up everything after. It typically requires an associate degree, with a median salary of $38,140 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$38,140/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
65,500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Early Childhood Instruction
- Learning Strategies
- Classroom Management
- Patience
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- CDA (Child Development Associate)
- State early childhood licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Preschool Teacher make?
The median pay for a Preschool Teacher is $38,140 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Preschool Teacher?
The usual entry point is an associate degree. Common majors are Early Childhood Education, Education, and Child Development.
Is Preschool Teacher a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 65,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Preschool Teacher use most?
Common skills for this role are Early Childhood Instruction, Learning Strategies, Classroom Management, Patience, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.