Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $29,180 -21.4% vs national
Median hourly $14.03
10th percentile $27,600
90th percentile $48,740
Employed locally 260
National median $37,120

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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
in
Ames, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $27,600
    25th
    $28,040
    50th (median)
    $29,180
    75th
    $36,450
    90th
    $48,740

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary vs area income 41% Median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary is 59% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area $61,180
    Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $60,480
    Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ $59,110
    Vineland, NJ $58,830
    South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $58,520
    Alaska nonmetropolitan area $55,060

    Nearby metros — Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Omaha, NE-IA $49,260
    North Georgia nonmetropolitan area $48,220
    Alexandria, LA $46,930
    Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area $46,590
    East Georgia nonmetropolitan area $45,990
    California $45,880

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,950
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $59,690
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $60,340
    Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $60,180
    Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $28,990
    Self-Enrichment Teachers $30,400

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Ames, IA is $14.03, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.78 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salaries?

    The median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Ames, IA is 21.4% below the national median of $37,120. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Ames?

    Entry-level Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education (10th percentile) earn around $27,600 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,040.