📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Preschool Teacher Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$35,053
per year
Median
$31,377
per year
Hourly
$16.85
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$24,705
25th Percentile — Junior$31,033
50th Percentile — Median$31,377
75th Percentile — Senior$45,272
90th Percentile — Top Earners$50,383
💡 Top-earning Preschool Teachers in North Carolina make up to $50,383 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$29.9k
2021
$30.9k
2022
$31.9k
2023
$32.9k
2024
$34.0k
2025
$35.1k
2026
📈 Preschool Teacher salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Preschool Teacher Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $33,651 -4.0% High
Raleigh $34,352 -2.0% High
Greensboro $31,548 -10.0% High
Durham $34,001 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $30,496 -13.0% High
🔍
Preschool Teacher Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Preschool Teachers. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $35,053 per year, North Carolina's Preschool Teacher salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $24,705–$31,033, while experienced Preschool Teachers can command $45,272–$50,383.

Looking ahead, the Preschool Teacher profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 3.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Preschool Teacher salary in North Carolina is $35,053 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $38,520.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Preschool Teachers the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Preschool Teacher employment.
  • At $35,053/year, North Carolina Preschool Teacher salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $38,520/year.