Education · Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$20–24k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$44–52k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+4.1% · As fast as average
Projected growth of 4.1% from 2024 to 2034; about 66 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
2–4 years
Bachelor's degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Teaching Assistant
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Experienced Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Senior Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Principal / Department Head
You prioritize Relationships
This career is strongly aligned with Relationships — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Speaking
Speaking is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires some college or a registered apprenticeship, which matches common student preparation goals.
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474 schools offer programs in this career field.
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