Kindergarten teachers with a master’s degree can expect to earn a median annual salary of $67,220. However, the actual salary range is wide and varies depending on where you teach, your experience level and education.
A kindergarten teacher’s salary in California, for example, ranges from $46,020 to $82,210 per year. Teachers in Pennsylvania make an average of $47,140 per year.
Kindergarten Teacher Salary With Master’s Degree
Pursuing a career in education can yield lifelong benefits for teachers and students alike. From working in elementary school to working at a junior college, you can have an impact on the educational journeys of many students. Earning a master’s degree in education can set you apart as a teacher and expand your career opportunities and salary earnings.
The National Center for Education Statistics shows how, as of 2019, 56.6 million K-12 students attended public and private schools. Earning your master’s degree in education or teaching can provide you with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of countless students. Even though there are 3.7 million K-12 teachers across the U.S., the country faces a shortage of over 110,000 teachers. If you are considering entering the teaching profession, now is an ideal time, as teachers are in high demand.
Does a Master’s Degree Increase a Teacher’s Salary?
In most occupations, you can usually see an increase in salary based on your experience and education. If you devote yourself to becoming an expert in your field, you will almost always have a higher salary than those who are new to the job. The same is true for professionals working in the field of education.
If you devote yourself to becoming an expert in your field, you will almost always have a higher salary than those who are new to the job.
The National Center for Education Statistics shows the average national salary for teachers working in public schools, by highest degree earned and years of teaching experience. The statistics reveal that, on average, educators with a master’s degree earn a higher salary than their fellow teachers with a bachelor’s degree, even if they have the same amount of experience. For example, even if two teachers both have six to nine years of experience, a teacher with a bachelor’s degree will earn $45,390 while a teacher with a master’s degree will earn $52,750, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
__________
Experience life-changing education.
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
__________
Teaching Graduate Degrees
While the National Center for Education Statistics demonstrates the national average for teachers in the U.S., salaries often vary from state to state. However, while teachers may not have the same earning potential based on their geographic location, most teachers in the U.S. can increase their salaries by pursuing a graduate teaching degree. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, “On average, a master’s degree earns teachers an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to a bachelor’s degree. This salary advantage expands to an average of $7,358 per year by the time a teacher reaches the maximum point of the pay scale.” Overall, if you want to increase your salary earnings throughout your career as a teacher, you can do so through earning an advanced education degree.
The National Council on Teacher Quality also collected data regarding teacher salaries across the largest districts in the country. According to their findings, 88 of the country’s biggest districts increase the salaries of teachers who earn a master’s degree. While some school districts in the country do not seem to pay their teachers based on their levels of education, teachers across the country with master’s degrees tend to earn a higher annual salary than teachers with bachelor’s degrees.
Careers in Education
Even though most teachers with a master’s degree typically earn a higher salary, your annual salary can depend on what teaching job you choose. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and elementary school teachers across the U.S. make an annual median salary of $59,420, with a bachelor’s degree. If you are working at the elementary level, you usually need to earn a bachelor’s degree as well as go through a student teaching program and earn a multiple-subject credential. Middle school teachers with a bachelor’s degree across the country have a similar income to elementary school teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning an annual median salary of $59,660.
Working in secondary education, as a high school teacher, can be a particularly rewarding career. If you are interested in teaching at the high school level, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows how teachers across the U.S. earn an annual median salary of $61,660, with a bachelor’s degree. As a prospective high school teacher, you would need to begin by earning a bachelor’s degree. You would then earn a single-subject credential in your area of study. Earning a master’s degree in teaching, education, or your specific subject would then help you advance your career as a high school teacher.
Working in secondary education, as a high school teacher, can be a particularly rewarding career.
If you have considered working in a postsecondary environment, such as a junior college, technical college, or professional school, you are going to need to further your education with a graduate degree in teaching. While most teaching positions in colleges and universities require a doctoral degree, you can pursue a rewarding teaching career at a junior college or similar institution, with a master’s degree. The annual median salary for postsecondary teachers is $79,540, and educators need a master’s or doctoral degree to work in these positions.
Education, M.A. vs. Teaching, M.A.
Depending on what career in education you want to pursue, you may need to explore different master’s in education programs. If you are considering working as an elementary school teacher, you may want to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree or Master of Arts in Education. Since you will be teaching multiple subjects in your classroom, pursuing a degree in education can equip you with a stronger foundation of knowledge. Also, according to the Houston Chronicle, earning an advanced education degree can increase your salary, as “about 42 percent of elementary education undergraduates obtained graduate degrees for a 36 percent boost in salaries.”
If you are a prospective middle school or high school teacher, you can also enhance your knowledge in your field of study as well as expand your career horizons, by earning a teaching graduate degree. A Master of Arts in Teaching or Master of Arts in Education can prepare you for a variety of careers, from mathematics to literature.
Pursuing a master’s degree can be essential for a career in higher education, if that is the route you are choosing. Whether your goal is to teach at a junior college or gain teaching experience before earning a doctoral degree and teaching at a university, a graduate degree is usually necessary.
When you choose a master’s program, you also have the opportunity to specialize your degree with different concentrations. You may hope to help your students reach their full academic and spiritual potential and therefore choose to work toward a counseling and guidance concentration, while you earn your education degree.
You can also pursue a concentration in leadership in learning, which can help distinguish you from your fellow educators. Whether you work as a teacher in elementary, middle, or high school, leadership qualities with education expertise can set you apart.
Maybe administrative aspects of the education field appeal to you more than other specialties. While you earn your Master of Arts in Education, you can also choose a concentration in educational administration. Having a foundation in administrative principles can give you an advantage in the field, especially if you want to eventually pursue a career as a principal, curriculum specialist, college counselor, or university registrar.
Advance Your Education
Pursuing a teaching graduate degree with different concentration options can lead to a rewarding teaching career. If you are looking into San Diego teaching programs, discover how Point Loma Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program can prepare you with its specialized courses and distinguished faculty members. You can also explore a variety of concentrations offered through the Master of Arts in Education program, including counseling and guidance, educational administration, and leadership in learning.
What They Do: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.
Work Environment: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work during school hours when students are present and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most kindergarten and elementary school teachers do not work during the summer.
How to Become One: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers usually must have at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
Salary: The median annual wage for elementary school teachers (except special education) is $61,400. The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers (except special education) is $60,900.
Job Outlook: Overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 7 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of kindergarten and elementary school teachers with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a kindergarten or elementary school teacher with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 Kindergarten School Teacher Jobs
- Kindergarten Teacher 2022 – 2023 School Year JobID: 3585 – Flagstaff Unified School District – Cherry Hill, NJKindergarten Teacher Location: Killip Elementary School Supervisor: Principal The mission of W.F. Killip Elementary School is to provide each child with an equal opportunity to achieve their highest …
- Pre-Kindergarten Teacher – Primrose School of Rogers at Pinnacle Hills – Rogers, ARAs a Pre- Kindergarten Teacher at Primrose School of Rogers at Pinnacle Hills, you’ll create a fun, safe environment for students to discover new concepts with confidence through multi-sensory …
- Private Kindergarten Teacher – Primrose School of Westlake at Entrada – Roanoke, TXAll classroom supplies provided by the school * Positive campus culture and exciting events! * Paid … Teacher , Education, Early Childhood, Kindergarten , Kinder, 5’s, Child Care, Childcare, Private …
See all Kindergarten School Teacher jobs
Top 3 Elementary School Teacher Jobs
- Elementary School Teacher – Kamaile Academy Public Charter School – Waianae, HILower Elementary School Counselor * 6th Grade Teacher * 7th/8th Grade Social Studies * Secondary PE/Health * Secondary Special Education * Educational Assistant Please see the official postings and …
- Elementary School Teacher – CalWest Educators Placement – Belmont, CACalWest is exclusively leading the Serendipity School search for their next Elementary Lead Teacher . Please do not contact the school directly. All inquiries, nominations and questions can be sent …
- Lead Teacher Village Elementary School – Chadwick School – Palos Verdes Estates, CALead Teacher Long-Term Substitute, Village School , 2022-23 Lead elementary teacher needed with previous experience in elementary education and deep curriculum and instructional knowledge. The …
See all Elementary School Teacher jobs
What Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Do[About this section] [To Top]
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for future schooling.
Duties of Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically do the following:
- Create lesson plans to teach students subjects, such as reading, science, social studies, and math
- Teach students how to study and communicate with others
- Observe students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
- Teach lessons they have planned to an entire class of students or to smaller groups
- Grade students’ assignments
- Communicate with parents about their child’s progress
- Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
- Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
- Develop and enforce classroom rules to teach children proper behavior
- Supervise children outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or recess
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers help students learn and apply important concepts. Many teachers use a hands-on approach to help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical-thinking skills. For example, they may demonstrate how to do a science experiment and then have the students conduct the experiment themselves. They may have students work together to learn how to collaborate to solve problems.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers generally teach kindergarten through fifth grade. However, in some schools, elementary school teachers may teach sixth, seventh, and eighth grade.
Kindergarten and elementary school students spend most of their day in one classroom. They typically teach students several subjects throughout the day. Teachers may escort students to assemblies, recess, or classes taught by other teachers, such as art or music. While students are away from the classroom, teachers plan lessons, grade assignments, or meet with other teachers and staff.
In some schools, teachers may work in subject specialization teams in which they teach one or two specific subjects, typically either English and social studies or math and science. Generally, students spend half their time with one teacher and half their time with the other.
Some kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach special classes, such as art, music, and physical education.
Some schools employ teachers of English as a second language (ESL) or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). Both of these types of teachers work exclusively with students who are learning the English language, often referred to as English language learners (ELLs). The teachers work with students individually or in groups to help them improve their English language skills and to help them with assignments from other classes.
Students with learning disabilities or emotional or behavioral disorders are often taught in traditional classes. Kindergarten and elementary teachers work with special education teachers to adapt lesson plans to these students’ needs and monitor the students’ progress. In some cases, kindergarten and elementary school teachers may co-teach lessons with special education teachers.
Some teachers use technology in their classroom as a teaching aide. They must be comfortable with using and learning new technology. Teachers also may maintain websites to communicate with parents about students’ assignments, upcoming events, and grades. For students in higher grades, teachers may create websites or discussion boards to present information or to expand on a lesson taught in class.
Work Environment for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers[About this section] [To Top]
Elementary school teachers (except special education) hold about 1.4 million jobs. The largest employers of elementary school teachers, except special education are as follows:
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | 85% |
| Elementary and secondary schools; private | 12% |
Kindergarten teachers (except special education) hold about 127,700 jobs. The largest employers of kindergarten teachers, except special education are as follows:
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | 81% |
| Elementary and secondary schools; private | 14% |
| Child day care services | 2% |
Most states have tenure laws, which provide job security after a certain number of years of satisfactorily teaching.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers may find it rewarding to watch students develop new skills and learn information. However, teaching may be stressful. Some schools have large classes and lack important teaching tools, such as computers and up-to-date textbooks. Some states are developing teacher mentoring programs and teacher development courses to help with the challenges of being a teacher.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher Work Schedules
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers generally work during school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons.
Many kindergarten and elementary school teachers work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work during the summer.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row, and then have a break for 3 weeks before starting a new schooling session.
How to Become a Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers near you!
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
DEGREE FINDER
1. Select a Degree Level–Degree Level–AssociateBachelorBootcampDiplomaDoctorateGraduate CertificateMasterUndergraduate Certificate2. Select a Category–Category–BusinessCriminal Justice & LegalEducationFine Arts & DesignHealth & MedicineLiberal Arts & HumanitiesMath, Science & EngineeringPublic Affairs & Social SciencesReligious StudiesTechnologyVocational Training3. Select a Subject–Subject–Adult EducationCurriculum & InstructionEarly Childhood EducationEducation Leadership & AdministrationEducation, Technology & Online LearningEducational & School PsychologyESL/TESOLGeneral EducationHigher EducationInternational EducationK-12 EducationSpecial & Gifted EducationTeacher Education
Submit
Education for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
All states require public kindergarten and elementary school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Private schools typically have the same requirement. Some states also require public kindergarten and elementary school teachers to major in a content area, such as math or science.
Those with a bachelor’s degree in another subject can still become elementary education teachers. They must complete a teacher’s education program to obtain certification to teach.
In teacher education programs, future teachers learn how to present information to young students and how to work with young students of varying abilities and backgrounds. They also take classes in education and child psychology. Programs typically include a student-teaching program, in which they work with a mentor teacher and get experience teaching students in a classroom setting. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.
Some states require teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification and obtaining a job.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified in the specific grade level that they will teach. Those who teach in private schools typically do not need a license. Requirements for certification or licensure vary by state, but generally involve the following:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average
- Completion of a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching, which is typically gained through student teaching.
- Passing a background check
- Passing a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates their knowledge of the subject they will teach.
For information on certification requirements in your state, visit Teach.org.
Teachers are frequently required to complete annual professional development classes to keep their license or certification. Some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree after receiving their certification and obtaining a job.
All states offer an alternative route to certification or licensure for people who already have a bachelor’s degree but lack the education courses required for certification. Some alternative certification programs allow candidates to begin teaching immediately after graduation, under the supervision of an experienced teacher. These programs cover teaching methods and child development. After they complete the program, candidates are awarded full certification. Other programs require students to take classes in education before they can teach. Students may be awarded a master’s degree after completing one of these programs.
Important Qualities for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Communication skills. Teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators. They also need to be able to communicate the subject content to students in a manner in which they will understand.
Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material.
Physical stamina. Working with kindergarten and elementary-aged students can be tiring. Teachers need to be able to physically, mentally, and emotionally keep up with the students.
Resourcefulness. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers need to be able to explain difficult concepts in terms that young students can understand. In addition, they must be able to get students engaged in learning and adapt their lessons to meet students’ needs.
Advancement for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Experienced teachers can advance to serve as mentors to new teachers or become lead teachers. In these roles, they help less experienced teachers to improve their teaching skills.
With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals, both of which generally require additional schooling in education administration or leadership.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
Salary Calculator
Job TitleSelect Job Title Accountant Actor Actuary Advertising Representative Aerospace Engineer Architect Biologist Biomedical Engineer Chemical Engineer Chemist Civil Engineer Computer Engineer Computer Programmer Construction Managers Economist Electrical Engineer Elementary Education Teacher Environmental Engineer Environmental Scientists Financial Analyst Geologist High School Teacher Hospitality Management Human Resources Specialists Industrial Engineer Journalist Manufacturing Engineer Materials Engineer Mathematician Mechanical Engineer Middle School Education Teacher Musician Nuclear Engineer Nurse Petroleum Engineer Physicist Psychologist Public Relations Specialist Sales Representative Social Worker Sociologist Software Developers Special Education Teacher Statistician Supply Chain Logistics StateSelect State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Select State to see City/Metro Experience Level
Entry Level
ExperiencedCalculate
The median annual wage for elementary school teachers (except special education) is $61,400. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,420.
The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers (except special education) is $60,900. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,440.
The median annual wages for elementary school teachers (except special education) in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | $61,760 |
| Elementary and secondary schools; private | $47,480 |
The median annual wages for kindergarten teachers (except special education) in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | $61,640 |
| Elementary and secondary schools; private | $46,520 |
| Child day care services | $32,780 |
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers generally work during school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons.
Many kindergarten and elementary school teachers work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work during the summer.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then have a break for 3 weeks before starting a new school session.
Job Outlook for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers[About this section] [To Top]
Overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 7 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 124,300 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Rising student enrollment should increase demand for kindergarten and elementary teachers, but employment growth will vary by region.
The number of students enrolling in public kindergarten and elementary schools is expected to increase over the coming decade, and the number of classes needed to accommodate these students should rise. As a result, more teachers will be needed to teach public kindergarten and elementary school students.
Despite expected increases in enrollment in public schools, employment growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers will depend on state and local government budgets. If state and local governments experience budget deficits, they may lay off employees, including teachers. As a result, employment growth of public kindergarten and elementary school teachers may be somewhat reduced.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2020 | Projected Employment, 2030 | Change, 2020-30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Kindergarten and elementary school teachers | 1,492,400 | 1,603,900 | 7 | 111,500 |
| Kindergarten teachers, except special education | 121,300 | 131,100 | 8 | 9,800 |
| Elementary school teachers, except special education | 1,371,100 | 1,472,900 | 7 | 101,700 |
