Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
SOC: 25-2011 O*NET: 25-2011.00
Median Salary
$38,140
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
65.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
What does a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$28,990
10th percentile
Early Career
$34,530
25th percentile
Median
$38,140
50th percentile
Experienced
$47,550
75th percentile
Top Earners
$61,390
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$28,990
25th
$34,530
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$38,140
Mean: $43,030
75th
$47,550
90th
$61,390
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $32,400 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $34,530 and $47,550
- •Salary spread is 34.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 478,780 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:555,100
Top Industries
Social Assistance75.5%
Child Care Services72.6%
Educational Services6.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.1%
Annual Openings:65,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)555,100
Current
2034 (Projected)578,100
+4.1%
+22,900
Employment Change
+4.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
55,700 jobs$47,4000.99x
Texas
41,200 jobs$33,8600.95x
Florida
35,740 jobs$35,8601.17x
New York
23,870 jobs$46,5200.80x
Pennsylvania
22,760 jobs$36,0501.22x
Illinois
22,420 jobs$40,9101.19x
Ohio
19,840 jobs$35,1801.16x
Massachusetts
18,710 jobs$45,8901.67x
North Carolina
18,370 jobs$35,7101.21x
Georgia
16,850 jobs$43,9201.12x
New Jersey
16,190 jobs$48,2201.23x
Virginia
13,570 jobs$37,1401.07x
Washington
13,210 jobs$45,6601.21x
Wisconsin
11,330 jobs$36,1601.25x
Michigan
10,950 jobs$37,1100.81x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Education and Training
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Instructing
94%
#5
Speech Clarity
92%
#6
Learning Strategies
86%
#7
English Language
86%
#8
Oral Comprehension
82%
#9
Active Listening
80%
#10
Coordination
74%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Education and Training
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Instructing
advanced4.7
94%
Speech Clarity
advanced4.6
92%
Learning Strategies
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Education and Training
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Instructing
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speech Clarity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Learning Strategies
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Public Safety and Security
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School82%
5 shared skills
Choreographers82%
5 shared skills
Directors, Religious Activities and Education82%
5 shared skills
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education82%
5 shared skills
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers82%
5 shared skills
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Education and Training
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Monitoring
- →Customer and Personal Service
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Education and Training
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Learning Strategies
- ★Active Listening
- ★Education and Training
- ★English Language
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (8)Training & Development (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Planning & Development (5)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development94% perform96%
4
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education professionals typically have a SAC Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
AArtistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.74
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.70
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.67
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.65
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.59
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.58
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.7
Self-Control
4.7
Dependability
4.7
Concern for Others
4.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.6
Cooperation
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.5
Independence
4.3
Initiative
4.3
Leadership
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 222 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 6 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MO (26) , TX (22) , MI (16) , CA (11) , ID (11)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.2k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
735 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
636 program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
551 program completions/year
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, CA
481 program completions/year
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM
271 program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
233 program completions/year
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI
205 program completions/year
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, CA
168 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
162 program completions/year
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TX
153 program completions/year
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI
152 program completions/year
From the Blog
Career Guidance
Trade Careers Without a High School Diploma or GED: What's Actually Open to You
A BLS-sourced guide to the skilled trades that hire without a diploma — construction labor, roofing, flooring, painting — plus how Job Corps lets you earn a GED and a trade credential at the same time, and why the GED still raises your ceiling.
State & Regional Guides
America's Top 3 Cities for Trade Education: Houston, San Antonio, and Miami
Houston leads the nation with 35 trade schools, followed by San Antonio and Miami at 27 each. See the schools, tuition data, local job markets, and what makes each city stand out for vocational training.
Skilled Trades Outlook
What the Trump Administration Is Actually Doing for Skilled Trades — and What It Isn't
The White House talks up trade careers, but what's actually changed? From Workforce Pell Grants and the 1-million apprenticeship push to Job Corps closures and $1.6 billion in cuts, here's the full picture for prospective trade students.