Average Wages & Benefits for a Preschool Teacher
Teaching is often hailed as one of the most noble professions, as educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of our society. However, the financial aspects of this noble profession are often a matter of concern. The average salary for teachers in the United States is $18.28 per hour, according to data updated on October 17, 2023. This figure raises questions and concerns about whether our education system values its educators adequately. In this blog post, we will dive into teachers’ average salaries and wages in the USA, comparing them to childcare workers, and explore how earnings change with seniority.
The Average Teacher’s Salary in the USA
As of October 17, 2023, the average salary for a teacher in the United States is $18.28 per hour, based on the 33.9k salaries reported. This hourly rate gives us insights into the financial compensation teachers receive for their dedication to educating our future generations.
Salaries by years of experience in the United States
| Years of experience | Per hour |
| Less than 1 year | – |
| 1 to 2 years | $15.72 |
| 3 to 5 years | – |
| 6 to 9 years | $16.81 |
| More than 10 years | $18.72 |
View job openings with years of experience relevant to you on Circle Time Jobs.
Most Common Benefits for Teachers
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Comparing Teacher Salaries with Childcare Workers
To put this salary in perspective, comparing it with another related profession is valuable. Childcare workers, who play a significant role in early childhood development, earn an average hourly wage of $13.22. This comparison highlights that teachers earn more, on average than childcare workers, indicating the higher education requirements and responsibilities of teaching in a formal educational setting.
Examining the Distribution of Childcare Worker Earnings
The earnings of childcare workers are pretty diverse, and it’s helpful to examine how they vary by seniority:
- 90th Percentile: Top-level childcare workers with extensive experience and expertise can earn up to $17.99 per hour or approximately $37,430 annually.
- 75th Percentile: Senior-level childcare workers with several years of experience begin at an hourly wage of $14.47 or approximately $30,100 per year.
- 50th Percentile: Mid-level childcare workers, representing the median income, earn $13.22 per hour, equivalent to around $27,490 annually.
- 25th Percentile: Junior-level childcare workers earn $10.88 per hour, totaling around $22,640 annually.
- 10th Percentile: Starting-level childcare workers receive an hourly wage of $8.91, about $18,540 annually.
This breakdown reveals the significant earnings disparity within the childcare worker profession, with experienced individuals earning considerably more than those just starting.
Childcare worker salary by state
| State Name | Average Salary |
| District of Columbia | $36,330 |
| California | $34,170 |
| Washington | $33,160 |
| Massachusetts | $31,160 |
| Colorado | $30,350 |
| New York | $29,850 |
| Oregon | $29,810 |
| Arizona | $29,460 |
| New Jersey | $29,460 |
| Maine | $29,450 |
| Minnesota | $29,430 |
| Vermont | $29,270 |
| Connecticut | $29,200 |
| Alaska | $28,880 |
| Maryland | $28,750 |
| Hawaii | $28,690 |
| Rhode Island | $27,570 |
| Illinois | $26,730 |
| Florida | $26,630 |
| Virginia | $24,420 |
| Missouri | $24,360 |
| Wisconsin | $24,060 |
| Michigan | $23,990 |
| Nevada | $23,900 |
| Utah | $23,520 |
| Pennsylvania | $23,430 |
| North Carolina | $23,350 |
| Wyoming | $23,340 |
| Montana | $23,280 |
| North Dakota | $23,280 |
| Kentucky | $23,240 |
| Nebraska | $23,240 |
| Arkansas | $23,230 |
| Ohio | $23,230 |
| Virgin Islands, U.S. | $23,200 |
| New Hampshire | $23,180 |
| New Mexico | $23,080 |
| Indiana | $23,010 |
| Georgia | $22,970 |
| Tennessee | $22,880 |
| Delaware | $22,850 |
| South Dakota | $22,710 |
| Texas | $22,610 |
| Kansas | $22,460 |
| Iowa | $22,380 |
| South Carolina | $22,310 |
| Oklahoma | $22,190 |
| Idaho | $22,060 |
| West Virginia | $20,680 |
| Louisiana | $19,080 |
| Guam | $18,720 |
| Alabama | $18,610 |
| Puerto Rico | $18,500 |
| Mississippi | $17,580 |
How do childcare worker salaries compare to similar careers?
Childcare workers earn 43% less than similar careers in the United States. On average, they make less than elementary school teachers but more than nannies.
| Career | Median Salary |
| Elementary school teacher salary | $61K |
| Kindergarten teacher salary | $61K |
| School counselor salary | $61K |
| Childcare program administrator salary | $47K |
| Preschool teacher salary | $30K |
| Childcare worker salary | $27K |
| Nanny salary | $27K |
The Teacher’s Perspective
While teachers earn more on average than childcare workers, their salaries vary significantly across the United States, and many factors contribute to these variations, including location, level of education, and years of experience. Many teachers express concerns about their compensation not reflecting their essential role in society, the hours they put into lesson planning and grading, and their dedication to their students.
In conclusion, the average salary for teachers in the USA is $18.28 per hour, but this figure doesn’t capture the full complexity of their compensation and challenges. Teachers undoubtedly have a profound impact on our society, and it is essential to recognize their invaluable contributions and address any disparities in their compensation to ensure a robust and well-supported education system.
