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Preschool aide salary
Average preschool aide salary
$14.61
Preschool Aide Salary Overview
The role of a preschool aide is integral to supporting early childhood education. As of October 2025, the average salary for preschool aides is $30,391 annually, translating to about $15 per hour. This figure varies based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and the specific educational institution.
Salary Variations by State
Preschool aides can earn significantly more in certain states. For example, states like California and New York often offer higher salaries compared to the national average. It’s essential for job seekers to consider these factors when evaluating job opportunities.
Job Opportunities and Growth
In addition to traditional preschool settings, aides may find positions in childcare centers, community programs, and private educational institutions. With experience and further education, there are opportunities for advancement into roles such as lead teacher or educational coordinator.
Conclusion
Understanding the salary landscape for preschool aides can help you make informed career choices. For those passionate about early childhood education, this profession offers both a rewarding experience and competitive compensation.
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Where can a Preschool Aide earn more?
Preschool aide salary estimates from across the web
Average preschool aide salary by state
The average preschool aide salary in Maryland, Vermont, and Massachusetts are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average preschool aide salary states are Ohio, Florida, and Mississippi.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for preschool aides
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | $31,227 | $15.01 |
| 2 | Maryland | $36,742 | $17.66 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $36,340 | $17.47 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $33,764 | $16.23 |
| 5 | West Virginia | $32,430 | $15.59 |
| 6 | New York | $33,226 | $15.97 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $32,149 | $15.46 |
| 8 | Vermont | $36,492 | $17.54 |
| 9 | Maine | $31,030 | $14.92 |
| 10 | Texas | $31,699 | $15.24 |
| 11 | Nebraska | $29,737 | $14.30 |
| 12 | Iowa | $29,155 | $14.02 |
| 13 | Kansas | $28,926 | $13.91 |
| 14 | District of Columbia | $41,742 | $20.07 |
| 15 | Wyoming | $33,889 | $16.29 |
| 16 | Montana | $28,929 | $13.91 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $28,607 | $13.75 |
| 18 | Indiana | $27,798 | $13.36 |
| 19 | Colorado | $31,386 | $15.09 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $28,185 | $13.55 |
| 21 | Arkansas | $28,974 | $13.93 |
| 22 | Oregon | $29,625 | $14.24 |
| 23 | Connecticut | $29,358 | $14.11 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| 25 | California | $31,989 | $15.38 |
| 26 | Hawaii | $32,523 | $15.64 |
| 27 | South Dakota | $28,217 | $13.57 |
| 28 | New Hampshire | $28,777 | $13.84 |
| 29 | New Mexico | $28,257 | $13.59 |
| 30 | Virginia | $28,979 | $13.93 |
| 31 | Georgia | $27,217 | $13.09 |
| 32 | North Carolina | $26,836 | $12.90 |
| 33 | Washington | $28,937 | $13.91 |
| 34 | Missouri | $27,881 | $13.40 |
| 35 | South Carolina | $27,319 | $13.13 |
| 36 | Alaska | $27,306 | $13.13 |
| 37 | North Dakota | $26,808 | $12.89 |
| 38 | Illinois | $25,272 | $12.15 |
| 39 | Oklahoma | $24,745 | $11.90 |
| 40 | Arizona | $25,658 | $12.34 |
| 41 | Rhode Island | $25,098 | $12.07 |
| 42 | Ohio | $23,337 | $11.22 |
| 43 | Nevada | $25,454 | $12.24 |
| 44 | Wisconsin | $22,616 | $10.87 |
| 45 | Delaware | $23,964 | $11.52 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $25,389 | $12.21 |
| 47 | Mississippi | $22,884 | $11.00 |
| 48 | Florida | $23,037 | $11.08 |
| 49 | Idaho | $22,558 | $10.85 |
| 50 | Utah | $23,379 | $11.24 |
| 51 | Alabama | $19,831 | $9.53 |
Highest paying cities for preschool aides
The highest-paying cities for preschool aides are Belmont, MA, Buffalo, NY, and Redding, CA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belmont, MA | $36,405 | $17.50 |
| 2 | Buffalo, NY | $33,494 | $16.10 |
| 3 | Redding, CA | $33,118 | $15.92 |
| 4 | Flower Mound, TX | $31,881 | $15.33 |
| 5 | Broomfield, CO | $31,466 | $15.13 |
| 6 | Leesburg, VA | $29,555 | $14.21 |
| 7 | Myrtle Beach, SC | $27,336 | $13.14 |
| 8 | Yuma, AZ | $26,004 | $12.50 |
| 9 | Palatine, IL | $25,400 | $12.21 |
| 10 | Ogden, UT | $23,389 | $11.24 |
| 11 | Twin Falls, ID | $22,440 | $10.79 |
Preschool aide salary details
A preschool aide's salary ranges from $24,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $37,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a preschool aide's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
| 75th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| Average | $30,391 | $2,533 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $24,000 | $2,000 | $12 |
Highest paying preschool aide jobs
The highest paying types of preschool aides are pre-k teacher, head start teacher, and lead teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floater | $31,721 | $2,643 | $15.25 | 6,071 |
| Infant Lead Teacher | $29,949 | $2,496 | $14.40 | 54,563 |
| Infant And Toddler Teacher | $29,606 | $2,467 | $14.23 | 63,094 |
| Infant Teacher | $29,076 | $2,423 | $13.98 | 63,079 |
| Lead Teacher | $33,652 | $2,804 | $16.18 | 56,131 |
| Child Care Teacher | $26,036 | $2,170 | $12.52 | 139,010 |
Top companies hiring preschool aides now:
Which companies pay preschool aides the most?
Preschool aide salaries at Belmont High School and Adams 12 Five Star Schools are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average preschool aide salary at companies like San Jacinto Unified School District and Visalia Unified School District are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belmont High School | $35,358 | $17.00 |
| 2 | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | $34,110 | $16.40 |
| 3 | San Jacinto Unified School District | $32,279 | $15.52 |
| 4 | Visalia Unified School District | $32,168 | $15.47 |
| 5 | Harvest Preparatory Academy | $32,090 | $15.43 |
| 6 | Loudoun County Social Svc | $30,842 | $14.83 |
| 7 | Humboldt School District | $30,104 | $14.47 |
| 8 | Penquis Community Action Progr | $29,961 | $14.40 |
| 9 | Weber Human Services | $29,830 | $14.34 |
| 10 | Morton Grove Park District | $29,573 | $14.22 |
| 11 | Cadence Education | $29,431 | $14.15 |
| 12 | Developmental Disabilities Institute, Inc. | $29,426 | $14.15 |
| 13 | Baker Victory Services | $29,408 | $14.14 |
| 14 | Americorps | $29,356 | $14.11 |
| 15 | Los Gatos | $28,642 | $13.77 |
| 16 | Grandville Public Schools | $28,450 | $13.68 |
| 17 | City of Northglenn | $27,417 | $13.18 |
| 18 | YMCA of Metro Chicago | $27,028 | $12.99 |
| 19 | Lgs Recreation | $25,976 | $12.49 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Preschool aide salary trends
The average preschool aide salary has risen by $5,054 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average preschool aide earned $25,337 annually, but today, they earn $30,391 a year. That works out to a 11% change in pay for preschool aides over the last decade.
Compare preschool aide salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average preschool aide salary over time
Compare preschool aide salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Preschool aide salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,400 | $14.61 | +4.4% |
| 2024 | $29,000 | $13.97 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $28,300 | $13.63 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $27,600 | $13.27 | +0.7% |
| 2021 | $27,400 | $13.17 | +0.8% |
Recently added preschool aide salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamehameha Schools | Preschool Substitute Aide, Maui (Temporary,) | Campus, IL | 06/30/2025 | $45,559 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows | Toddler Preschool Behavior Support | Sparks, NV | 06/25/2025 | $45,000 |
| YMCA of Rapid City | Preschool Aide | Rapid City, SD | 06/25/2025 | $29,218 |
| USD 305 Salina Public Schools | Preschool Para at Usd305 Preschools | Lane, KS | 06/19/2025 | $34,102 |
| Salina Unified School District | Preschool Para at Usd305 Preschools | Salina, KS | 06/18/2025 | $34,102 |
| Amergis | for Preschool Aides | Huntington Beach, CA | 06/17/2025 | $48,001 |
| Parents and Children | Preschool Aide | Urban Honolulu, HI | 06/16/2025 | $33,768 |
| Alpine School District | Preschool Aide-General Ed/Title I | Cove, UT | 06/13/2025 | $39,110 |
| Whittier College | Preschool Aide (2 Positions Available) | Whittier, CA | 06/12/2025 | $35,479 |
| Primrose School | Private Preschool All Ages | Atlanta, GA | 06/11/2025 | $31,305 |
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