verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Preschool Teacher Salary in Missouri

Median Annual in Missouri
$36,090/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$17.35/hr
▼ 5% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Missouri

groups Employed in MO
5,580
public U.S. Median
$38,140
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$39,739 #25 of 51

Preschool Teacher pay in Missouri, explained

Preschool teachers in Missouri earn a median of $36,090 per year ($17.35 per hour), which is 5% below the national median of $38,140. Entry-level workers earn around $29,030, while the most experienced preschool teachers reach about $54,610. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Missouri.

Is $36,090 good pay in Missouri?

Adjusted for Missouri's cost of living (which runs 91% of the U.S. average), that $36,090 is worth about $39,739 in national buying power — ranking Missouri #25 for real pay (vs #35 on the sticker number).

See the full Preschool Teacher Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Preschool Teacher pay by experience in Missouri

Entry level (10th pct)
$29,030
$13.96/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$36,090
$17.35/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$54,610
$26.25/hr

Preschool Teacher pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs MO
Missouri (here) $36,090 $39,739
Kansas $47,750 $53,015 −$11,660
Nebraska $47,040 $52,207 −$10,950
Illinois $40,910 $40,927 −$4,820
Tennessee $34,280 $37,314 +$1,810
Arkansas $34,190 $39,327 +$1,900
Iowa $33,830 $38,547 +$2,260
Oklahoma $31,790 $36,190 +$4,300
Kentucky $29,780 $33,031 +$6,310

Preschool Teacher in Missouri: FAQ

How much do preschool teachers make in Missouri?

Preschool teachers in Missouri earn a median of $36,090 per year ($17.35 per hour), compared with $38,140 nationally.

Does Missouri pay preschool teachers well?

At $36,090, Missouri pays 5% below the national median for preschool teachers. An estimated 5,580 work in the state.

Preschool Teacher salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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