Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Columbia, MO
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $33,990 a year ($16.34 an hour), based on BLS data for 400 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,230 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $38,140. Pay here is 6% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $36,090. There are 3.7 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $38,540, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $30,330 | $14.58 |
| Median | $33,990 | $16.34 |
| 75th percentile | $47,860 | $23.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $55,230 | $26.55 |
| Average (mean) | $38,540 | $18.53 |
Half of preschool 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 | $2,832.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,416.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,307.31 |
| Weekly | $653.65 |
| Hourly | $16.34 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $33,990 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $37,400 | 1,190 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $37,020 | 3,680 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $35,150 | 90 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $33,190 | 160 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $31,330 | 180 |
| Springfield, MO | $30,410 | 330 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $29,830 | 120 |
Highest-paying states for preschool teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 |
| Vermont | $49,730 |
| Hawaii | $48,780 |
| New Jersey | $48,220 |
| Kansas | $47,750 |
| California | $47,400 |
| Nebraska | $47,040 |
| New York | $46,520 |
| Alaska | $46,130 |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 |
See Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state or the Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2011. 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 preschool teachers, except special education make in Columbia, MO?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in the Columbia, MO metro area is $33,990 a year, or $16.34 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,230 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $55,230 a year. The top 25% earn $47,860 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,600 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $30,330 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in Columbia, MO?
About 400 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.