Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Kentucky
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Kentucky earn a median of $29,780 a year ($14.32 an hour), based on BLS data for 8,520 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,760 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $38,140. Kentucky ranks 50th of 51 states for preschool teachers, except special education pay. There are 4.3 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $35,400, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,490 | $11.30 |
| 25th percentile | $27,840 | $13.38 |
| Median | $29,780 | $14.32 |
| 75th percentile | $39,300 | $18.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,760 | $24.89 |
| Average (mean) | $35,400 | $17.02 |
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 | $2,481.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,240.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,145.38 |
| Weekly | $572.69 |
| Hourly | $14.32 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,780 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $35,430 | 4,390 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $34,360 | 2,810 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $34,290 | 170 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $30,850 | 480 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $29,370 | 1,280 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,320 | 320 |
| Owensboro, KY | $28,110 | 260 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $28,040 | 360 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $28,010 | 240 |
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.
Related jobs in Kentucky
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in Kentucky is $29,780 a year, or $14.32 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,760 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in Kentucky earn at least $51,760 a year. The top 25% earn $39,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,490 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $27,840 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in Kentucky?
About 8,520 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.