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Job outlook for preschool lead teachers in the United States
Preschool lead teacher job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected preschool lead teacher job growth rate is 15% from 2018-2028.
About 72,900 new jobs for preschool lead teachers are projected over the next decade.
Preschool lead teacher salaries have increased 11% for preschool lead teachers in the last 5 years.
There are over 737,887 preschool lead teachers currently employed in the United States.
There are 54,870 active preschool lead teacher job openings in the US.
The average preschool lead teacher salary is $33,176.
Are preschool lead teacher jobs in demand?
Preschool lead teacher job and salary trends over time
Preschool lead teacher jobs over time
Preschool lead teacher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 737,887 | 0.22% |
| 2020 | 714,195 | 0.21% |
| 2019 | 781,923 | 0.23% |
| 2018 | 778,966 | 0.23% |
| 2017 | 758,559 | 0.23% |
Average preschool lead teacher salary over time
Preschool lead teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,176 | $15.95 | +4.6% |
| 2024 | $31,711 | $15.25 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $30,942 | $14.88 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $30,121 | $14.48 | +0.7% |
| 2021 | $29,913 | $14.38 | +0.8% |
Preschool lead teacher jobs by state
Most common states for preschool lead teachers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 323 | 31% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 171 | 25% |
| 3 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 472 | 23% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 448 | 23% |
| 5 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 667 | 22% |
| 6 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 651 | 22% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 292 | 22% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 664 | 21% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 356 | 21% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,452 | 19% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 165 | 19% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 142 | 19% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 112 | 18% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,013 | 17% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,124 | 16% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 893 | 16% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 588 | 16% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 482 | 16% |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 592 | 15% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 85 | 15% |
Most common cities for preschool lead teachers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin Town | 2 | 6% | $43,955 |
| 2 | Natick | 2 | 6% | $43,919 |
| 3 | Rogers | 2 | 3% | $31,390 |
| 4 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $27,146 |
| 5 | Bentonville | 1 | 2% | $31,422 |
| 6 | Bowie | 1 | 2% | $30,956 |
| 7 | Brentwood | 1 | 2% | $46,332 |
| 8 | Carmichael | 1 | 2% | $45,775 |
| 9 | Gilbert | 3 | 1% | $33,377 |
| 10 | Cedar Park | 1 | 1% | $32,833 |
| 11 | Centennial | 1 | 1% | $34,940 |
| 12 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $43,937 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $33,569 |
| 14 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $32,806 |
Preschool Lead Teacher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of preschool lead teacher experts
Miami Dade College
University of Guam
High Point University
What general advice would you give to a Preschool Lead Teacher?
Jessica Espinosa Ph.D.: In the upcoming years, I anticipate that the proficiency in integrating Artificial Intelligence and technology in early childhood education will become essential. Educators must master the use of AI and emerging digital tools to enrich the learning experience. Additionally, the ability to apply data-driven approaches in instruction and assessment will be increasingly vital, allowing educators to make well-informed decisions that foster student development. I also think that a strong focus on social and emotional learning, alongside fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, will be indispensable in effectively meeting the varied needs of all learners.
What Preschool Lead Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jessica Espinosa Ph.D.: As a graduate starting your career in the field of education, it's crucial to focus on continuous learning and development. Reflect on your experiences, both inside and outside of classrooms, to adapt and improve your teaching strategies. Engage actively in professional communities, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), to stay updated on best practices and build your network. Emphasize the importance of mentorship and collaboration. Lastly, remain passionate about your role in shaping future generations and stay committed to promoting an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
What will help Preschool Lead Teachers increase their earning potential?
Jessica Espinosa Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential as a teacher in Florida, focus on enhancing your qualifications and professional standing. Obtain additional certifications and specialize in high-demand areas like special education or STEM. Engage in continual professional development and assume leadership roles to showcase your capabilities and ambition. Further your education beyond initial certifications, leveraging higher degrees for increased earning potential. Consider supplementary roles such as adjunct teaching or online course development, which can provide extra income and enhance your professional profile. These strategies, reflective of your professional journey, can lead to better salary opportunities in the educational field.
Matthew Limtiaco
Assistant Professor of Elementary EducationUniversity of Guam
School of Education
What skills stand out on Preschool Lead Teacher resumes?
Matthew Limtiaco: An appreciation for the diversity in any given classroom is critical, along with the skills and commitment toward meeting the needs of students who come from a myriad of family backgrounds, social settings, belief systems, economic statuses', and histories of access and familiarity with our education system.
Each student brings with them a completely different set of skills, interests, fears, and struggles. Our capacity for empathy, honesty, and resourcefulness directly translates to student and classroom experience. Teachers reach students when they have the tools to connect with each student, show them that they are caring adults, and help each student realize their potential through measurable development in content areas as well as soft skills.
This is true online or in face-to-face settings. Online classrooms teachers are maximizing the reduced window of interaction with students by streamlining the delivery and assessment of content. No doubt, this priority is influenced by a culture of results-oriented teaching based on narrow measures. This compromise is made with a cost. Efforts toward social-emotional support should be increased in online classes, while content expectations should be relaxed during perhaps the most stressful time our young ones and their families have faced in their lives. Any absence of empathy and soft skill development in online settings is a product of decades-old priorities placed on high-stakes tests based on national standards.
Teachers entering the field should have a strong understanding of the need for social-emotional support and an ability to meet the needs of diverse students.
Dr. Shirley Disseler
Associate Professor of Elementary & Middle Grades Education, Education Coordinator: STEM Education Program and LEGO Education TrainerHigh Point University
Education Department
What skills stand out on Preschool Lead Teacher resumes?
Dr. Shirley Disseler: Internships and Practicum experiences where pre-service teachers have spent time in elementary classrooms with veteran mentor teachers are some of the most important things on the resume. Another thing that stands out is informal education experiences such as camps, after-school care, and community involvement.