Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in North Carolina
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in North Carolina earn a median of $53,180 a year, based on BLS data for 2,250 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,760 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,620 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $62,680. North Carolina ranks 40th of 50 states for kindergarten teachers, except special education pay. There are 0.46 kindergarten teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.65). The average (mean) salary is $53,120, close to the median.
Pay range for kindergarten teachers, except special education in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,760 |
| 25th percentile | $46,910 |
| Median | $53,180 |
| 75th percentile | $59,530 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,620 |
| Average (mean) | $53,120 |
Half of kindergarten teachers, except special education earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,431.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,215.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,045.38 |
| Weekly | $1,022.69 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because kindergarten teachers, except special education are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $53,180 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in North Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $78,580 | 650 |
| Asheville, NC | $59,980 | 110 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $58,950 | 520 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $57,410 | 630 |
| Greenville, NC | $56,160 | 40 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $54,520 | 60 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $53,310 | 100 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $53,050 | 90 |
| Burlington, NC | $52,460 | 50 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $50,320 | 240 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $48,980 | 30 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $47,680 | 110 |
Highest-paying states for kindergarten teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $99,960 |
| Connecticut | $90,030 |
| Rhode Island | $85,470 |
| Massachusetts | $84,100 |
| California | $82,550 |
| District of Columbia | $81,500 |
| New York | $77,630 |
| Maryland | $75,910 |
| Minnesota | $75,500 |
| New Mexico | $74,380 |
See Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in North Carolina
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kindergarten teachers, except special education make in North Carolina?
The median salary for kindergarten teachers, except special education in North Carolina is $53,180 a year. Pay ranges from $40,760 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,620 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid kindergarten teachers, except special education make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of kindergarten teachers, except special education in North Carolina earn at least $63,620 a year. The top 25% earn $59,530 or more.
What is the starting pay for kindergarten teachers, except special education in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,760 a year, and a quarter of kindergarten teachers, except special education earn $46,910 or less.
How many kindergarten teachers, except special education work in North Carolina?
About 2,250 kindergarten teachers, except special education are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.