Preschool Teacher Salary in North Carolina
Preschool Teachers in North Carolina earn an average of $37,905 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +0.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$37,905
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.23
per hour
vs National
-0.3%
$38,000 national
Salary Range
$24,389
to $54,753
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$37,905
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$39,484
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Preschool Teacher's salary of $37,905 has the purchasing power of $39,484 in an average-cost area.
Preschool Teacher Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $38,228 | $18.38/hr | $24,437 | $54,394 | 660 |
| Charlotte, NC | $37,582 | $18.07/hr | $24,340 | $55,111 | 595 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Preschool Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 1,255 Preschool Teachers employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Preschool Teacher Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$24,389
Starting salary for new Preschool Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$37,905
Mid-career Preschool Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$54,753
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Business Professor
$100,263
avg in NC
+$62,358 vs Preschool Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$75,803
avg in NC
+$37,898 vs Preschool Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$65,671
avg in NC
+$27,766 vs Preschool Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$64,219
avg in NC
+$26,314 vs Preschool Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$63,700
avg in NC
+$25,795 vs Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Preschool Teacher salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Preschool Teacher Data
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Preschool Teacher salary in North Carolina?
The average Preschool Teacher salary in North Carolina is $37,905 per year ($18.23/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 0.3% below the national average of $38,000.
What is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in North Carolina, with a median salary of $38,228 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $37,582.
What is the salary range for Preschool Teachers in North Carolina?
Preschool Teacher salaries in North Carolina range from $24,389 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $54,753 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $37,905 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 North Carolina. 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.