Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in South Carolina
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in South Carolina earn a median of $34,500 a year ($16.59 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,550 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,900 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $38,140. South Carolina ranks 41st of 51 states for preschool teachers, except special education pay. There are 2.0 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.64). The average (mean) salary is $36,190, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,820 | $12.90 |
| 25th percentile | $29,280 | $14.08 |
| Median | $34,500 | $16.59 |
| 75th percentile | $37,170 | $17.87 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,900 | $23.99 |
| Average (mean) | $36,190 | $17.40 |
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 | $2,875 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,437.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,326.92 |
| Weekly | $663.46 |
| Hourly | $16.59 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $34,500 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $36,830 | 580 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $36,480 | 4,570 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC | $35,960 | 160 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $35,710 | 870 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $34,620 | 840 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $34,290 | 350 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $33,100 | 410 |
| Florence, SC | $31,600 | 140 |
| Columbia, SC | $31,510 | 560 |
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 South Carolina
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in South Carolina is $34,500 a year, or $16.59 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,900 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in South Carolina earn at least $49,900 a year. The top 25% earn $37,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,820 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $29,280 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in South Carolina?
About 4,550 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.