### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                    
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			kindergarten and elementary school teachers imageKindergarten and elementary school teachers teach basic subjects.							
						Quick Facts:     Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers2023     Median Pay
            						$63,670     per yearTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    1,548,400Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    10,700What Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers 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 a Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher
                                                
                        
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.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for elementary school teachers, except special education was $63,680 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers, except special education was $62,690 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for kindergarten and elementary school teachers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of kindergarten and elementary school teachers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about kindergarten and elementary school teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Do 
            

			Kindergarten and elementary school teachersKindergarten and elementary school teachers use a variety of tools, such as computers, to present information to students.			
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for middle school.
Duties
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically do the following:
Create lesson plans to teach students subjects, such as reading, science, and math
Teach students how to interact with others
Observe students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
Instruct an entire class or smaller groups of students
Grade students’ assignments
Communicate with parents or guardian 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 recessKindergarten 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 solve problems.
Elementary school typically goes from first through fifth or sixth grades. However, in some schools, elementary school continues through eighth grade.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically instruct students in 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 on 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.
There are kindergarten and elementary school teachers who specialize in subjects such as art, music, or physical education.
Some schools employ *English as a second language (ESL)* or*English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) teachers* who work exclusively with students learning the English language. These teachers work with students individually or in groups to help them improve their English language skills and to help them with class assignments.
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
			Kindergarten and elementary school teachersKindergarten and elementary school teachers may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Elementary school teachers, except special education held about 1.4 million jobs in 2022. The largest employers of elementary school teachers, except special education were as follows:
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                85%Elementary and secondary schools; private
                13Kindergarten teachers, except special education held about 123,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of kindergarten teachers, except special education were as follows:
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                81%Elementary and secondary schools; private
                15Child day care services
                1Most states have tenure laws, which provide job security after a certain number of years of satisfactory 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.
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 or Elementary School Teacher

			Kindergarten and elementary school teachersKindergarten and elementary school teachers need to be able to explain  concepts in terms young students can understand.			
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers usually must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
Education
Public kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically need a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Private schools typically have the same requirement. In some states, public schools also require these teachers to major in a content area, such as mathematics.
Those with a bachelor’s degree in another subject can still become elementary education teachers. They must complete a teacher education program to obtain certification to teach. Requirements vary by state.
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. 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
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 student teaching program
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 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.
Important Qualities
***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.*** Kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult.
***Physical stamina.*** Working with kindergarten- and elementary-age 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 must be able to get students engaged in learning. They also should be prepared to adapt their lessons to meet students’ needs.
Advancement
Experienced teachers may 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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Kindergarten and Elementary School TeachersMedian annual wages, May 2023Elementary school teachers, except special education$63,680  Kindergarten and elementary school teachers$63,670  Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers$63,280  Kindergarten teachers, except special education$62,690  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for elementary school teachers, except special education was $63,680 in May 2023. 


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 $46,960, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,440.The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers, except special education was $62,690 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,390.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for elementary school teachers, except special education in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                $64,380Elementary and secondary schools; private
                51,360In May 2023, the median annual wages for kindergarten teachers, except special education in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                $63,980Elementary and secondary schools; private
                50,840Child day care services
                40,120Kindergarten 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

   
        
    
          
        
    
                     Kindergarten and Elementary School TeachersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers1%  Kindergarten teachers, except special education1%  Kindergarten and elementary school teachers1%  Elementary school teachers, except special education1%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most 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
	
			
The number of students enrolling in public kindergarten and elementary schools is expected to decrease over the projections decade. However, as parents and teachers support smaller class sizes, the number of classes should remain stable and result in a need for more teachers of students in these schools.
Employment growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers also will depend on state and local government budgets. If state and local governments experience budget deficits, they may lay off employees, including teachers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     kindergarten and elementary school teachers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Kindergarten and elementary school teachers**
			—
			1,548,400
			1,559,000
			1
			10,700
			—**Kindergarten teachers, except special education**
			25-2012
			123,400
			124,100
			1
			700
			Get data**Elementary school teachers, except special education**
			25-2021
			1,425,000
			1,435,000
			1
			10,000
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Elementary school teachers, except special education
					Kindergarten teachers, except special education **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of kindergarten and elementary school teachers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Career and Technical Education Teachers**
            Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,580**Childcare Workers**
            Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $30,370**Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals**
            Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities.
            Master's degree
            $103,460**High School Teachers**
            High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,220**Instructional Coordinators**
            Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.
            Master's degree
            $74,620**Librarians and Library Media Specialists**
            Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use.
            Master's degree
            $64,370**Middle School Teachers**
            Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,290**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380**Preschool Teachers**
            Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.
            Associate's degree
            $37,130**School and Career Counselors and Advisors**
            School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
            Master's degree
            $61,710**Social Workers**
            Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
            See How to Become One
            $58,380**Special Education Teachers**
            Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,910**Teacher Assistants**
            Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction.
            Some college, no degree
            $35,550
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about teaching and becoming a teacher, visit
American Federation of Teachers
National Education Association
Teach.org
For more information about teacher preparation programs, visit
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Elementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationKindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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