Preschool Teacher Salary in Illinois
Preschool Teachers in Illinois earn an average of $39,012 per year across 1 metro area. This is +2.7% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$39,012
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.76
per hour
vs National
+2.7%
$38,000 national
Salary Range
$24,589
to $54,564
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$39,012
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$41,065
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Preschool Teacher's salary of $39,012 has the purchasing power of $41,065 in an average-cost area.
Preschool Teacher Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $39,012 | $18.76/hr | $24,589 | $54,564 | 751 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Preschool Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 751 Preschool Teachers employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Preschool Teacher Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$24,589
Starting salary for new Preschool Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$39,012
Mid-career Preschool Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$54,564
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Business Professor
$104,076
avg in IL
+$65,064 vs Preschool Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$78,267
avg in IL
+$39,255 vs Preschool Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$69,844
avg in IL
+$30,832 vs Preschool Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$67,313
avg in IL
+$28,301 vs Preschool Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$65,166
avg in IL
+$26,154 vs Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Preschool Teacher salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Preschool Teacher Data
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Preschool Teacher salary in Illinois?
The average Preschool Teacher salary in Illinois is $39,012 per year ($18.76/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 2.7% above the national average of $38,000.
What is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in Illinois, with a median salary of $39,012 per year.
What is the salary range for Preschool Teachers in Illinois?
Preschool Teacher salaries in Illinois range from $24,589 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $54,564 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $39,012 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.