Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
O*NET 25-2012.00 · SOC 25-2012
Kindergarten Teacher is a risky career choice. Median pay is $63k a year with -0.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 11,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Teach foundational reading and phonics skills to kindergartners
- →Guide students through hands-on math activities using manipulatives
- →Establish classroom routines and behavioral expectations for young students
- →Assess student readiness and developmental progress through observation
- →Collaborate with parents during conferences to discuss child progress
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Kindergarten Teacher roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Kindergarten Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Kindergarten Teacher?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Kindergarten Teacher Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education is projected to decline 0.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Kindergarten Teacher make?
The median Kindergarten Teacher earns $63k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Kindergarten Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Kindergarten Teacher at 22 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 46% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Kindergarten Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 11,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Kindergarten Teacher?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Kindergarten Teacher roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Kindergarten Teacher?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Kindergarten Teacher career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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