* Location: Preschool teacher salaries are higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Major cities will generally pay more than rural areas.
* Education and Experience: Those with a degree in early childhood education or related fields, and those with more experience, typically earn more. Assistants with less formal training will earn less.
* Type of Preschool: Private preschools may offer different compensation packages than public preschools or Head Start programs, which often have stricter funding guidelines. Prestigious private schools may pay more.
* Full-time vs. Part-time: Full-time positions naturally pay more than part-time positions.
* Employer: For-profit vs. non-profit preschools may have varying pay scales.
Therefore, providing a single number is impossible. However, a reasonable range in the United States might be $20,000 to $45,000 per year. Those at the lower end are likely assistants with limited experience in less expensive areas, while those at the higher end are likely lead teachers with degrees and experience in higher-cost areas.
To find a more precise salary range for a specific location, it's best to search for job postings in your area or use salary websites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, or Payscale, and specify your location and qualifications.