Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Rhode Island
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Rhode Island earn a median of $36,830 a year ($17.71 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,890 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,180 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $38,140. Rhode Island ranks 28th of 51 states for preschool teachers, except special education pay. 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 $39,850, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in Rhode Island
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| Median | $36,830 | $17.71 |
| 75th percentile | $43,280 | $20.81 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| Average (mean) | $39,850 | $19.16 |
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 | $3,069.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,534.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,416.54 |
| Weekly | $708.27 |
| Hourly | $17.71 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $36,830 salary, see how much house you can afford in Rhode Island at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in Rhode Island
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $37,900 | 3,410 |
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 Rhode Island
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in Rhode Island is $36,830 a year, or $17.71 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,180 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in Rhode Island?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in Rhode Island earn at least $46,180 a year. The top 25% earn $43,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in Rhode Island?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,200 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $35,900 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in Rhode Island?
About 1,890 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in Rhode Island, not counting the self-employed.