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Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

Median salary (BLS)

$38,140

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$29k – $61k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $85,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,100–$22,700

Time to qualify

2.3 yr

Renewal

$20/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    State teaching certification

    License

    Approved educator-prep program, pedagogy & subject exams, background check, and a state application.

    $100–$700 · 3 months · varies by state · renews every 5 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Entry / Junior

    $28,990

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Established

    $38,140

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Senior

    $49,765

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
  • •Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
  • •Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • •Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
  • •Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Education

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.