Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

How to read this profile

BLS projects U.S. employment for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education to increase by 4.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 583,200 to 609,400 jobs. Its estimate of 66,700 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($38,140), education (Associate's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.

Base employment (2024)

583,200

Projected employment (2034)

609,400

Projected change (2024–2034)

5%

Annual openings (projected average)

66,700

Pay & Preparation
Loading wage data…
Loading wage data…

$38,140

Associate's degree

None

None

Essential Skills

Instructing (4/5) • Speaking (4/5) • Active Listening (3.88/5) • Learning Strategies (3.88/5) • Critical Thinking (3.75/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.75/5)

O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.

BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.

Loading labor-market data…
Loading labor-market data…
Loading labor-market data…

Market data tells you what is happening.
SmartBid shows you where you fit.

Evaluate opportunities using demand, competition, client quality, and your experience—then focus your effort where you have the strongest chance to win.

Find my best opportunities