Career comparison
Family and Consumer Sciences Professor vs. Preschool Teacher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Family and consumer sciences professors earn more at the median ($75,870 vs. $38,140), while preschool teachers usually get to work faster (6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate) of training). Family and consumer sciences professors teach college courses on families, child development, nutrition and personal finance. Preschool teachers teach young children through play, routines and early learning.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Family and Consumer Sciences Professor | Preschool Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $75,870 | $38,140 ($18.34/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $47,830 – $130,790 | $28,990 – $61,390 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.4% (slower than average) | +4.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 200 | 66,700 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 6–8 years after a bachelor’s | 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate) |
| Key credential | Ph.D. | Child Development Associate (CDA) |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, lab schools, kitchens and offices.. | Preschool teachers work in classrooms and playgrounds that are busy, noisy and active. |
What each job does
Family and Consumer Sciences Professor
- Teach FCS courses
- Prepare future FCS teachers
- Conduct family research
- Supervise child lab schools
- Mentor students
Preschool Teacher
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others and working with people. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose family and consumer sciences professor if…
- I care about families
- I like practical subjects
- I want to train teachers
Choose preschool teacher if…
- I love working with young children
- I’m patient and calm
- I enjoy creative activities
Still torn? Take the Family and Consumer Sciences Professor fit quiz and the Preschool Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, family and consumer sciences professor or preschool teacher?
Family and Consumer Sciences Professors earn more at the median: $75,870 versus $38,140 for preschool teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Preschool Teachers typically train faster (6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate)) than family and consumer sciences professors (6–8 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects preschool teachers to grow +4.5% from 2025–35, compared with +2.4% for family and consumer sciences professors.