Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New Jersey
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New Jersey earn a median of $48,220 a year ($23.19 an hour), based on BLS data for 16,190 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,910 for the top 10%. That is 26% higher than the national median of $38,140. New Jersey ranks 4th of 51 states for preschool teachers, except special education pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 3.8 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $56,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in New Jersey
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,020 | $17.80 |
| 25th percentile | $39,030 | $18.77 |
| Median | $48,220 | $23.19 |
| 75th percentile | $64,370 | $30.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $86,910 | $41.79 |
| Average (mean) | $56,770 | $27.30 |
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 | $4,018.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,009.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,854.62 |
| Weekly | $927.31 |
| Hourly | $23.19 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,220 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Jersey at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in New Jersey
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Vineland, NJ | $63,340 | 330 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $59,320 | 460 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $50,230 | 28,140 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $44,880 | 850 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $36,750 | 15,260 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $35,780 | 1,420 |
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 New Jersey
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in New Jersey
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 New Jersey?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in New Jersey is $48,220 a year, or $23.19 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,910 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in New Jersey?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in New Jersey earn at least $86,910 a year. The top 25% earn $64,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in New Jersey?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,020 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $39,030 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in New Jersey?
About 16,190 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in New Jersey, not counting the self-employed.