Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education Salary in New Jersey (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New Jersey, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New Jersey Median
$48,220
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.18
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+26% vs US median
US median $38,140
State Rank
#4 of 51
16,190 employed here

How much does a Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education make in New Jersey?

A Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education working in New Jersey earns a median salary of $48,220 per year, or about $23.18 per hour. That is 26% above the national median of $38,140 for this occupation.

Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $37,020 while the top 10% make $86,910 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,030 and $64,370 a year.

Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education salary range in New Jersey

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,020$17.80
25th percentile (early career)$39,030$18.76
50th percentile (median)$48,220$23.18
75th percentile (experienced)$64,370$30.95
90th percentile (top earners)$86,910$41.78

How New Jersey compares

New Jersey ranks 4th out of 51 states and territories for Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$62,150
2Vermont$49,730
3Hawaii$48,780
4New Jersey$48,220
5Kansas$47,750

Working as a Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education in New Jersey

Nationally, about 479,000 people work as Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare New Jersey pay ($48,220) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education make in New Jersey?
The median Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education salary in New Jersey is $48,220 per year, or about $23.18 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,020 at the entry level to $86,910 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education about 26% more than the national median of $38,140. New Jersey ranks 4th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education?
Yes on pay — New Jersey pays above the national median for this occupation, at $48,220 a year. About 16,190 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education are employed in New Jersey. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.