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Kindergarten Teacher Salary
A kindergarten teacher salary is influenced by many of the same factors as occupations in other fields. Demand and geography are the two primary factors. The general rule of education level applies across the board. Because you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and have successfully completed specialized career training in methods and theories of teaching, that level of expertise is understood.
While most students pursue an education degree, if your bachelor’s degree is not in education, you may qualify if you complete an abbreviated education program. Most often, this entails simply going back to school for the specialized training and courses, including a student teaching module. Check with your school admissions advisor to discuss credit transfer and qualification possibilities.
If you increase your online education level to include a post-graduate degree, such as an online masters degree in education or school administration, you increase your qualifications, wage potential and opportunities for advancement.
Demand
A kindergarten teacher salary potential increases in high-demand areas and industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the highest kindergarten teacher salary averages are within elementary and secondary schools. The middle 50 percent of these teachers receive an average annual wage of $52,660.
The next highest-paying industry or occupational environment is in religious organizations, which may not include faith-sponsored private schools, with the middle 50 percent receiving on average $44,800 per year.
The lowest-paying field listed reflected an average wage of $31,980 per year for the middle 50 percent of kindergarten teachers working for child day care services.
Geography
Kindergarten teacher salary potential increases in metropolitan areas often because of a higher tax base and higher cost of living. Competition for the metropolitan area positions is usually more intense, and advanced education and certification can raise your qualifications above those of other applicants.
New York state pays the highest average wage for this teaching specialty, offering an average of over $70,000 per year. This average includes the novice and the experienced teachers and all levels of education.
Rhode Island follows New York with an average wage of $67,460 paid to kindergarten teachers. Alaska, Connecticut and New Jersey follow with wage averages of $65,930, $62,190 and $58,990, respectively.
However, none of these states have the highest concentration of kindergarten teachers. Arkansas tops the list and pays on average $43,220 per year. Louisiana has a concentration just below Arkansas but pays more at $46,690 per year on average. Alabama is next and reports average wages per year at $47,720, and California has the fourth-highest concentration, and average wages total $45,970. New Mexico finishes the top five states with the highest concentration of kindergarten teachers and pays an average annual wage of $51,920.
In comparison, of the top ten individual metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs for this teaching specialty, the first and fourth slots are in Alabama, and all others are in California. The top ranked location around the Auburn-Opelika area in Alabama pays an annual mean wage of $58,360.
By careful investigation, you can narrow your employment search within the organization type and location that suits your needs. Your kindergarten teacher salary can vary widely, depending on where you want to teach and get licensed.
