Preschool Teacher Salary in Houston, TX: $37,338 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $17.95/hour | $24,323 - $54,014 range
Median Annual Salary
$37,338
Hourly Rate
$17.95
/hour
Jobs in Area
748
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Houston, TX
$37,338
San Jose, CA
$52,424
in San Jose, CA
Preschool Teacher Salary Range in Houston, TX
Annual Salary Range
$24k
10th percentile
$31k
25th
$45k
75th
$54k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $24,323 | $11.69 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,752 | $14.78 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $37,338 | $17.95 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,983 | $21.63 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $54,014 | $25.97 |
| Average (Mean) | $40,428 | $19.44 |
Preschool Teacher Market Insights for Houston, TX
Compensation Overview
Preschool Teacher compensation in Houston, TX aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $24,323 to $54,014 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Houston, TX offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Texas economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Preschool Teacher profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 122% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 45% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-2%
vs National Avg
+2%
vs State Avg
122%
Salary Range
748
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Preschool Teacher salary growth in Houston, TX based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$24,323
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$30,752
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$37,338
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$44,983
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$54,014
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Preschool Teacher Job Market in Houston, TX
Where Preschool Teachers Work
Preschool Teachers work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Houston, TX compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Houston, TX
- •Research major employers in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Texas
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Houston, TX market rate of $37,338
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $24,323 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median preschool teacher salary in Houston, TX is $37,338 per year ($17.95/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $24,323 for entry-level positions to $54,014 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level preschool teachers in Houston, TX typically start at around $24,323 per year ($11.69/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $37,338 within 3-5 years.
Preschool Teachers in Houston, TX earn a median hourly wage of $17.95 per hour. Hourly rates range from $11.69/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $25.97/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $24,323 and $54,014.
The median preschool teacher salary of $37,338 in Houston, TX is slightly below the national median of $38,000 (1.7% lower). The cost of living is also 4% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of preschool teachers in the area earn more and half earn less.
Preschool Teachers in Houston, TX earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $37,338 is 1.7% lower than the national median of $38,000. The cost of living is also 4% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $38,692.
The top 10% of preschool teachers in Houston, TX earn $54,014 or more per year ($25.97/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $44,983, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost preschool teacher salary in Houston, TX include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $37,338, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($44,983) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Houston, TX has a moderate job market for preschool teachers, with approximately 748 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $37,338 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 4% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your preschool teacher salary to these Houston, TX benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $24,323, 25th percentile: $30,752, 50th percentile (median): $37,338, 75th percentile: $44,983, 90th percentile (top earners): $54,014. If you earn more than $37,338, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $37,338 median base salary, preschool teachers in Houston, TX typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced preschool teachers with 5-10 years in Houston, TX typically earn $44,983 (75th percentile) to $54,014 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $54,014. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $37,338.
Preschool Teachers in Houston, TX can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($24,323) to median ($37,338) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($54,014) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $29,691 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
25-2011
SOC Classification
Sample Size
748
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Salary Calculator
Preschool Teacher in Houston, TX
Enter your salary above to see how you compare
Median: $37,338/yr
How Houston, TX Compares
vs National Average
$38,000
vs Texas Average
$36,468
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$38,692
Cost of living in Houston, TX is 3.5% below the national average.
Preschool Teacher Salaries in Other Cities
Other Salaries in Houston, TX
Explore More
Preschool Teacher Jobs in Houston, TX
Find open positions and apply today.
View Jobs on IndeedAffiliate link