Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Charlotte, NC-SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Median annual salary $34,380 -7.4% vs national
Median hourly $16.53
10th percentile $28,590
90th percentile $50,230
Employed locally 3,850
National median $37,120

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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
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Charlotte, NC-SC
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    In Charlotte, NC-SC, preschool teachers, excluding those in special education roles, earn a median annual salary of $34,380, which is approximately $2,740 below the national median for this occupation. This local median income translates to about $16.53 per hour. When compared to the area's median household income of $80,201, the earnings of typical preschool teachers represent roughly 43% of the average household income in the region. The disparity highlights a significant gap between the financial compensation received by early childhood educators and that of the broader local population. This difference underscores the ongoing conversation around teacher salaries and their alignment with regional economic standards.

    Entry-level preschool teachers in Charlotte tend to earn near the lower end of the salary spectrum, often aligning with or just above the 10th percentile at $28,590 annually. In contrast, more experienced educators who have advanced through ranks or demonstrated exceptional performance can reach earnings up to the 90th percentile, commanding salaries as high as $50,230 per year. This substantial variance in earning potential is largely driven by factors such as tenure, additional qualifications, and specialized skills that enhance an educator's ability to meet diverse classroom needs. These differences reflect a broader trend where experience and professional development are pivotal in achieving higher compensation within the field of early childhood education.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $28,590
    25th
    $30,080
    50th (median)
    $34,380
    75th
    $36,900
    90th
    $50,230

    Charlotte economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,201 2023 • Census ACS
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary vs area income 43% Median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary is 57% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Charlotte, NC-SC is $16.53, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.35 or more per hour.

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

    The median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Charlotte, NC-SC is 7.4% 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 Charlotte?

    Entry-level Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education (10th percentile) earn around $28,590 per year in Charlotte, NC-SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,080.