Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
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Summary
What They Do
Work Environment
How to Become One
Pay
Job Outlook
State & Area Data
Similar Occupations
More Info
Summary
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Quick Facts: Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
2024 Median Pay
$62,310 per year
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
None
Number of Jobs, 2024
1,539,800
Job Outlook, 2024–34
-2% (Decline)
Employment Change, 2024–34
-29,800
What 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 $62,340 in May 2024.
The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers, except special education was $61,430 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2024 to 2034.
Despite declining employment, about 103,800 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other 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
About this section
Kindergarten 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 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 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
About this section
Kindergarten 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 2024. The largest employers of elementary school teachers, except special education were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools; local
84%
Elementary and secondary schools; private
13
Kindergarten teachers, except special education held about 117,200 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of kindergarten teachers, except special education were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools; local
81%
Elementary and secondary schools; private
15
Child daycare services
Most 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
About this section
Kindergarten 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.
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.
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
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP)
skills data page
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
About this section
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Median annual wages, May 2024
Elementary school teachers, except special education
$62,340
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
$62,310
Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers
$61,960
Kindergarten teachers, except special education
$61,430
Total, all occupations
$49,500
Note: 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 $62,340 in May 2024.
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 $46,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,010.
The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers, except special education was $61,430 in May 2024.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,360.
In May 2024, 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
$63,160
Elementary and secondary schools; private
51,260
In May 2024, 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
$62,720
Elementary and secondary schools; private
49,870
Child daycare services
39,550
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
About this section
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Percent change in employment, projected 2024–34
Total, all occupations
3%
Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers
-1%
Kindergarten teachers, except special education
-2%
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
-2%
Elementary school teachers, except special education
-2%
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 decline 2 percent from 2024 to 2034.
Despite declining employment, about 103,800 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other 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. The increase in charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling options provides families with alternatives to traditional public schools, potentially leading to a shift in enrollment numbers.
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, 2024–34
Occupational Title
SOC Code
Employment, 2024
Projected Employment, 2034
Change, 2024–34
Employment by Industry
Percent
Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
1,539,800
1,510,000
-2
-29,800
Kindergarten teachers, except special education
25-2012
117,200
115,200
-2
-1,900
Get data
Elementary school teachers, except special education
25-2021
1,422,700
1,394,800
-2
-27,900
Get data
State & Area Data
About this section
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 below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles
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.org
. 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
About this section
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
2024 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
$62,910
Childcare Workers
Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development.
High school diploma or equivalent
$32,050
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities.
Master's degree
$104,070
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
$64,580
Instructional Coordinators
Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.
Master's degree
$74,720
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
$64,320
Middle School Teachers
Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
Bachelor's degree
$62,970
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
See How to Become One
$83,980
Preschool Teachers
Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.
Associate's degree
$37,120
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
$65,140
Social Workers
Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
See How to Become One
$61,330
Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Bachelor's degree
$64,270
Teacher Assistants
Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction.
Some college, no degree
$35,240
Contacts for More Information
About this section
O*NET
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook
, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers,
at
(visited
March 27, 2026
).
Last Modified Date:
Thursday, August 28, 2025
What They Do
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What They Do
tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.
Work Environment
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Work Environment
tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.
How to Become One
The
How to Become One
tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.
Pay
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Pay
tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.
State & Area Data
The
State and Area Data
tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.
Job Outlook
The
Job Outlook
tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.
Similar Occupations
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Similar Occupations
tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.
Contacts for More Information
The
More Information
tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
Work experience in a related occupation
Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.
Number of Jobs, 2024
The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2024, which is the base year of the 2024–34 employment projections.
Job Outlook, 2024-34
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.
Employment Change, 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
On-the-job Training
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Employment Change, projected 2024-34
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Growth Rate (Projected)
The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Number of New Jobs
The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
Projected Growth Rate
The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034.
2024 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
Publications
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Education, Training, and Library