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The differences between elementary school teachers and pre-k teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an elementary school teacher has an average salary of $52,161, which is higher than the $40,301 average annual salary of a pre-k teacher.
The top three skills for an elementary school teacher include classroom management, math and professional development. The most important skills for a pre-k teacher are kids, math, and language arts.
| Elementary School Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $52,161 | $40,301 |
| Hourly rate | $25.08 | $19.38 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 84,607 | 60,464 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Elementary school teachers are trained to provide education to children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The teachers are responsible for children's emotional and educational growth in the classroom. They manage the resources and materials to be used for their education. It is part of their duties to evaluate the students' performance, social development, physical health, and behavior. Also, they adapt to teaching methods and instructions to meet the interests and needs of the children.
Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.
Elementary school teachers and pre-k teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Elementary School Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average salary | $52,161 | $40,301 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $72,000 | Between $28,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New York |
| Best paying company | German International School New York | Faulkner University |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between an elementary school teacher and a pre-k teacher in terms of educational background:
| Elementary School Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Elementary Education | Early Childhood Education |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between elementary school teachers' and pre-k teachers' demographics:
| Elementary School Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5% | Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |