How much does a kindergarten teacher make?

In the US, pay often rises with teaching experience and higher degrees; many public districts use salary steps tied to those factors. Pay also varies by location and employer, including public versus private schools. Public-school teachers need a state license, and its rules vary.

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050) and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

What's a typical day like?

They teach reading, math, and other basics with hands-on activities, watch children practice sharing, and supervise lunch or recess. When students leave, they plan lessons, grade work, or meet with families and coworkers.

In the US, earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and complete supervised student teaching. Then meet your state’s public-school licensing rules, usually including a background check and teaching and subject tests; requirements vary by state.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like helping and teaching and creating.

One study found that the share of US kindergarten teachers who said children should learn to read in kindergarten rose from 31% in 1998 to 80% in 2010.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.