Kindergarten Teacher Salary in 2026
How Much Do Kindergarten Teachers Make?
Kindergarten Teachers earn a median annual salary of $61,430 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $45,750 at the 10th percentile to $99,360 at the 90th percentile — a range of $53,610. The highest-paying state is Rhode Island at $86,390.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,750 |
| 25th percentile | $50,290 |
| Median (50th) | $61,430 |
| 75th percentile | $77,720 |
| 90th percentile | $99,360 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Rhode Islandtop | $86,390 |
| California | $84,550 |
| Washington | $84,500 |
| Connecticut | $83,920 |
| Massachusetts | $82,440 |
| District of Columbia | $75,210 |
| New York | $75,110 |
| Oregon | $74,620 |
| Maryland | $70,960 |
| New Mexico | $69,690 |
| New Jersey | $69,190 |
| Minnesota | $65,970 |
| Ohio | $65,750 |
| Alaska | $65,320 |
| Georgia | $63,570 |
| Texas | $62,700 |
| Illinois | $62,650 |
| Delaware | $62,450 |
| Virginia | $62,350 |
| Nevada | $62,310 |
| Michigan | $61,740 |
| Vermont | $61,040 |
| Wyoming | $61,030 |
| Hawaii | $60,910 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,900 |
| New Hampshire | $60,530 |
| Colorado | $60,520 |
| Utah | $60,420 |
| Idaho | $60,330 |
| Nebraska | $60,310 |
| Maine | $59,470 |
| Wisconsin | $59,130 |
| South Carolina | $58,610 |
| Kentucky | $57,820 |
| Missouri | $56,990 |
| Florida | $56,870 |
| Indiana | $55,900 |
| Iowa | $55,420 |
| West Virginia | $55,170 |
| Kansas | $54,230 |
| North Dakota | $53,950 |
| Arizona | $51,780 |
| Louisiana | $51,690 |
| Tennessee | $50,410 |
| Montana | $50,340 |
| Arkansas | $50,260 |
| North Carolina | $49,080 |
| Alabama | $48,750 |
| South Dakota | $48,110 |
| Mississippi | $47,970 |
| Oklahoma | $47,250 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Kindergarten Teachers
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$45,750 – $50,290 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$61,430 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$77,720 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $99,360+ |
How to Earn More as a Kindergarten Teacher
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Kindergarten Teachers in Modesto, CA earn $115,930 — $54,500 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($77,720) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Kindergarten Teacher Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teacherthis career | $61,430 |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $56,270 |
| School Psychologist | $86,930 |
| Education Teacher | $72,090 |
| Preschool Teacher | $37,120 |
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SOC: 25-2012.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.