Preschool Teacher Salary in Missouri
Preschool Teachers in Missouri earn an average of $34,340 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +9.6% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$34,340
per year
Hourly Rate
$16.51
per hour
vs National
-9.6%
$38,000 national
Salary Range
$22,033
to $50,985
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$34,340
Cost of Living Index
90
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$38,156
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Missouri's cost of living (below average), a Preschool Teacher's salary of $34,340 has the purchasing power of $38,156 in an average-cost area.
Preschool Teacher Salary by City in Missouri
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | $34,345 | $16.51/hr | $22,393 | $50,518 | 544 |
| St. Louis, MO | $34,335 | $16.51/hr | $21,673 | $51,451 | 623 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Missouri vs National Average
Preschool Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in Missouri
There are approximately 1,167 Preschool Teachers employed across 2 metro areas in Missouri.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 0% - 4.95%
Preschool Teacher Salary Range in Missouri
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$22,033
Starting salary for new Preschool Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$34,340
Mid-career Preschool Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$50,985
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Missouri
Business Professor
$95,803
avg in MO
+$61,463 vs Preschool Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$68,329
avg in MO
+$33,989 vs Preschool Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$60,498
avg in MO
+$26,158 vs Preschool Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$60,170
avg in MO
+$25,830 vs Preschool Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$59,528
avg in MO
+$25,188 vs Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Preschool Teacher salaries in Missouri with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Preschool Teacher Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Preschool Teacher salary in Missouri?
The average Preschool Teacher salary in Missouri is $34,340 per year ($16.51/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 9.6% below the national average of $38,000.
What is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in Missouri?
Kansas City, MO is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in Missouri, with a median salary of $34,345 per year. The lowest paying metro area is St. Louis, MO at $34,335.
What is the salary range for Preschool Teachers in Missouri?
Preschool Teacher salaries in Missouri range from $22,033 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $50,985 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $34,340 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 Missouri. 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.