🧸 How much does a nursery school teacher make?
In the U.S., most preschool teachers make $28,990–$61,390; the midpoint is $38,140, and the top 10% make over $61,390. In Japan, full-time teachers average ¥4.28M; those with 15+ years average ¥4.79M.
Pay varies by employer, location, and experience; the Japanese figures are averages, not a guaranteed top salary.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most preschool teachers (middle 80%) | $28,990–$61,390 | BLS 10th–90th percentiles |
| Typical preschool teacher (median) | $38,140 | BLS annual median |
| Top 10% (earn more than this) | $61,390 | BLS 90th-percentile threshold |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Most preschool teachers (middle 80%) | $2,416–$5,116 | $79–$168 |
| Typical preschool teacher (median) | $3,178 | $104 |
| Top 10% (earn more than this) | $5,116 | $168 |
About $18 an hour
Where does the money come from?
How do you become a nursery school teacher?
In the United States, study early childhood education or a related subject at college. Many jobs typically require at least an associate degree. Public-school teachers generally need a bachelor’s degree and a state teaching license, often with an exam; rules differ by state.
- Enroll in a college program in early childhood education or a related field.
- Earn at least an associate degree.
- For public schools, meet the state’s degree, license, and exam requirements.
- Check local rules and apply to a preschool, school, or child-care center.
Qualifications and exams
Requirements vary by state and workplace. Many jobs typically require at least an associate degree; public-school teachers generally need a bachelor’s degree and a state license, usually with a competency exam.
A day as a nursery school teacher
Before children arrive, a preschool teacher gets the room ready. During the day, the teacher leads stories, songs, art, and play, makes time for movement and rest, and watches how each child is doing. At pickup, the teacher may share progress with families.
Common questions
Does pay vary by workplace?
Yes. In May 2025, typical yearly pay was $52,800 in educational services and $36,850 in child daycare services. Source
What is the hourly pay?
The May 2025 typical hourly pay for U.S. preschool teachers was $18.34. Source
Can a teacher earn more as a director?
Experienced preschool teachers may move into director roles. The typical yearly pay for preschool and child-care center directors was $59,300 in May 2025; it is a different job, not a guaranteed raise. Source
Do preschool teachers work in summer?
Many U.S. public-school preschool teachers work a 10-month school year and have a summer break, though some teach summer programs. Child-care settings may operate year-round with longer hours. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
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In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Typical full-time nursery teachers (average) | $28,507 | MHLW 2025 wage-survey-based annual average |
| Nursery teachers with 15+ years’ experience (average) | $31,965 | 2025 MHLW wage-survey breakdown by experience |
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Related questions
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Data table and sources
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/print/preschool-teachers.htm
- shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/Occupation/Detail/131
- studying.jp/hoikushi/about-more/salary.html
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/25-2011.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2011.00
- headstart.gov/school-readiness/article/preschool-teachers
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm
- www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-8/pdf/teachers-job-requirements.pdf