Education & Childcare career

Preschool Teacher

Also called: Pre-K Teacher · Early Childhood Educator · Head Start Teacher · Lead Preschool Teacher

What preschool teachers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a preschool teacher do?

Preschool teachers educate and care for children, usually ages 3 to 5, planning activities that build language, social, motor and early academic skills. The median pay is $38,140 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate), and employment is projected to grow +4.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $38,140
    $18.34/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +4.5%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    66,700
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Associate's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate)
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    583,200
    Employment, 2025

What preschool teachers do

Preschool teachers help young children get ready for school and life. They plan play-based lessons in early literacy, math, science and art, build social and emotional skills, manage routines such as circle time and meals, observe and assess development, and communicate with families. They work in childcare centers, Head Start programs, public pre-K and private preschools.

Requirements vary widely. Many programs require an associate degree in early childhood education or a Child Development Associate credential; public pre-K often requires a bachelor’s degree and a state license. The work is joyful and demanding, with growing recognition of early education’s importance.

Typical duties

  • Plan play-based lessons and activities
  • Teach early literacy, math and social skills
  • Supervise children and keep them safe
  • Manage daily routines and transitions
  • Observe and assess child development
  • Communicate with families
  • Follow licensing and health rules

Work environment and schedule

Preschool teachers work in classrooms and playgrounds that are busy, noisy and active. The job involves bending, lifting children and staying alert all day.

Schedule: Most work full-time during the school year or year-round in childcare centers, with some early and late shifts.

A day in the life

  1. Set up learning centers and greet families at drop-off.
  2. Lead morning circle with songs, weather and the day’s plan.
  3. Guide small groups through a counting game.
  4. Supervise outdoor play and coach sharing.

See a full day in the life of a preschool teacher →

Preschool Teacher salary

Half of preschool teachers earned more than $38,140 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $28,990 for the lowest 10% to $61,390 for the top 10%.

Full preschool teacher pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a preschool teacher

  1. Gain experience with children
  2. Earn a CDA or degree
  3. Pass background checks
  4. Get hired as a lead teacher
  5. Advance

Requirements vary. Many preschool teachers have an associate degree in early childhood education or a CDA credential. Public pre-K and Head Start lead roles often require a bachelor’s degree.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a preschool teacher →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Early childhood curriculum
  • Classroom management
  • Child development observation
  • Health and safety practices
  • Family communication

People skills

  • Patience
  • Warmth
  • Creativity
  • Communication

All preschool teacher skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Meaningful work with young children
  • Creative, playful days
  • Steady demand
  • Associate degree path

Cons

  • Pay is modest
  • Physically and emotionally demanding
  • Exposure to illnesses
  • Paperwork and licensing rules

Certifications and licenses

  • Child Development Associate (CDA): A national credential for early childhood educators.
  • State early childhood teacher license: Required for many public pre-K programs.
  • CPR and pediatric first aid: Required by most programs.
  • State childcare training hours: Annual training required by licensing.

Career path

  1. Assistant Teacher: Support the lead teacher.
  2. Preschool Teacher: Lead a classroom.
  3. Lead Teacher or Curriculum Coordinator: Mentor teachers and plan curriculum.
  4. Center Director: Run an early learning program.

Learn the job before day one

Our Preschool Teacher training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as lead morning circle time and handle a conflict between children, safety and how to land your first job.

View Preschool Teacher trainingIs this career right for me?

Childcare Worker

Care for children’s safety, learning and daily needs.

  • $34,980
  • 1–4 weeks of required training

Kindergarten Teacher

Teach children their first year of school: reading, math and how to learn.

  • $62,680
  • 4 years plus licensing

Childcare Center Director

Lead childcare and preschool programs, staff and families.

  • $59,300
  • Bachelor’s plus 2–5 years of experience

Teacher Assistant

Support teachers and help students learn in classrooms.

  • $36,780
  • Weeks to 2 years depending on the district

Compare: Preschool Teacher vs. Childcare Worker · Preschool Teacher vs. Kindergarten Teacher · Preschool Teacher vs. Childcare Director · Preschool Teacher vs. Teacher Assistant

Preschool Teacher FAQ

Do preschool teachers need a degree?

It depends on the program; many need an associate degree or CDA.

What is a CDA?

The Child Development Associate credential.

Is preschool teaching stressful?

It can be demanding but very rewarding.

How much does a preschool teacher make?

The median annual wage for preschool teachers was $38,140 ($18.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $61,390.

How long does it take to become a preschool teacher?

Most people need about 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate) of training. Requirements vary. Many preschool teachers have an associate degree in early childhood education or a CDA credential. Public pre-K and Head Start lead roles often require a bachelor’s degree.

Do you need a degree to be a preschool teacher?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.

More preschool teacher questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz