Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
O*NET 25-2011.00 · SOC 25-2011
Preschool Teacher is a solid career choice. Median pay is $38k a year with +4.5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 66,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Lead circle time activities including songs, stories, and discussions
- →Supervise children during play, meals, and outdoor recess
- →Teach basic concepts like colors, shapes, numbers, and letters
- →Communicate daily observations and concerns to parents or guardians
- →Set up classroom learning centers with age-appropriate materials
Education & How to Get In
Most Preschool Teacher positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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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 Preschool Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Preschool 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 Preschool Teacher Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education is projected to grow 4.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to 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 Preschool Teacher make?
The median Preschool Teacher earns $38k 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 Preschool Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Preschool Teacher at 25 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 47% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Preschool Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 66,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Preschool Teacher?
Most Preschool Teacher roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Preschool Teacher?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Preschool Teacher career right for you?
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